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Module 8: From the Universe to the Atom

Quick questions on Cathode rays and Thomson's e/m: HSC Physics Module 8

5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.

What are cathode ray tubes?
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A cathode ray tube is a sealed glass tube containing two electrodes and a low-pressure gas. A high voltage applied between the cathode (negative electrode) and anode (positive electrode) produces a stream of "cathode rays" travelling from cathode to anode. The rays make the residual gas glow and produce fluorescence on a screen at the far end of the tube.
What are evidence for particles?
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Several observations pointed to particles:
What is q1?
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State Thomson's measured value for the charge-to-mass ratio of the electron and what it implied about cathode rays. [2 marks]
What is q2?
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An electron is accelerated from rest through V=5000 VV = 5000 \text{ V}. Calculate its final speed (non-relativistic). [3 marks]
What is q3?
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Thomson used crossed electric and magnetic fields to measure the speed of cathode rays. (a) Show that when the beam is undeflected, v=E/Bv = E/B. (b) When only BB remains, derive the equation for e/me/m in terms of vv, rr and BB.

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