1. What are Cathode Rays?
* Cathode rays are streams of electrons emitted from the cathode (the negatively charged electrode) in a vacuum tube.
2. The Force of Attraction
* Opposite Charges Attract: Electrons are negatively charged particles. A positively charged plate creates an electric field. The electric field lines point away from the positive plate and towards the negative plate.
* Force on Charged Particles: Charged particles experience a force when they are placed in an electric field. The direction of the force is determined by the charge of the particle and the direction of the electric field.
* In this Case: Since electrons are negatively charged, they will experience a force that pulls them towards the positively charged plate.
3. The Result: Bending of the Cathode Ray
* As the cathode rays (electrons) travel through the electric field, they are pulled towards the positive plate, causing the beam to bend.
Visual Analogy: Think of a magnet attracting a piece of metal. The positive plate is like the magnet, and the electrons are like the metal, being pulled towards the positive charge.
Key Points:
* The discovery of cathode rays bending in this way was a major contribution to our understanding of the nature of matter and the existence of electrons.
* This phenomenon is the basis for many electronic devices, including television screens and oscilloscopes.
