Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 37 - The Foundations of Modern Physics - Conceptual Questions - Page 1121: 1

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$$\color{blue}{\bf [a]}$$ $\text{The evidence of Cathode rays as particles:}$ $\bullet$ They deflect as negatively charged particles when exposed to a magnetic field or an electric field. $\bullet$ The degree of deflection of cathode rays varied with the strength of the electric or magnetic field, indicating the presence of mass and momentum associated with the particles. $\bullet$ The rays move in straight lines and cast sharp shadows, indicating that they travel in straight paths and do not spread out like waves. $\bullet$ Cathode rays could penetrate thin metal foils but were stopped by thicker ones, which means that they have a certain amount of penetrating power. $\bullet$ When cathode rays strike a target, they produce heat and could cause certain materials to emit light, indicating energetic interactions. Recall the fluorescence phenomena when they strike glass tubes. $$\color{blue}{\bf [b]}$$ $\text{The evidence of Cathode rays as waves:}$ $\bullet$ Cathode rays exhibited behavior similar to the light waves. They could be diffracted when passing through narrow slits or gratings. $\bullet$ The intensity of the cathode rays varied with the amplitude of the electrical discharge, similar to how the intensity of waves can be adjusted. $\bullet$ The rays could travel long distances in a straight line for 150 times the mean free path of known particles without significant spreading.
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