Cathode Rays and the Cathode Ray Oscilloscope
Modern Physics · Cathode Rays
Syllabus tag: KCSE | Physics | Form 4 | Topic 36 Cathode Rays
Lesson objectives
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
- Explain thermionic emission and the production of cathode rays.
- State the properties of cathode rays.
- Describe the structure and working of the cathode ray oscilloscope.
- State the uses of the CRO and interpret its displays.
Summary
Cathode rays are streams of fast-moving electrons produced by thermionic emission from a heated cathode and accelerated by a high voltage. They travel in straight lines, carry a negative charge, and are deflected by electric and magnetic fields. The cathode ray oscilloscope uses them to display electrical signals.