Chapter 4, Problem 53A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The use of electric field for determining the charge of cathode ray needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

For determining the charge of particles moving in the cathode rays many experiment were done by different scientists. J. J Thomson while working on cathode ray tube determined the nature of cathode ray that were flowing from the negatively charged electrode towards the positively charged electrode.

Answer to Problem 53A

Thomson experiment of cathode ray tube determines the charge of particles moving in the cathode ray tube.

Explanation of Solution

The cathode ray tube on which J. J Thomson was working was a vacuum. Two electrodes were set at the two extreme ends of the tube. When the electric voltage was applied a stream of particles started moving from the negatively charged conductor known as cathode towards the positively charged conductor referred as anode. This strike creates a beam of light on the screen of positively charged plate.

As the cathode ray is deflected away from the negatively charged electric plate and is attracted towards the positively charged electric plate this deflection determines its nature of charge.

Conclusion

Thecathode rays are deflected from the negatively charged electric plate and is attracted towards the positively charged electric plate this behaviour of moving particles determines its nature.