Cathode Ray Tube: Questions and the Discovery of the Electron

 Questions on Cathode Ray Tube

These questions on the Cathode Ray Tube reinforce concepts related to the discovery of the electron, subatomic particles, and the evolution of atomic models. Suitable for middle school, high school, and introductory college chemistry courses, the material provides reliable support for teachers and students studying modern atomic structure and the history of science. Prepared by a Science Professor and Education Specialist, this educational resource combines scientific expertise with practical classroom experience to help students understand one of the foundational experiments in atomic theory. 

The Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) was used by J. J. Thomson to investigate the properties of cathode rays, leading to the discovery of the electron. Through experiments involving electric and magnetic fields, Thomson demonstrated that cathode rays consisted of negatively charged particles present in all atoms. This discovery revolutionized atomic theory and paved the way for the development of new atomic models and a deeper understanding of the structure of matter.

Multiple-Choice Questions: Cathode Ray Tube


1. What is the primary purpose of a cathode ray tube?

A) To measure temperature

B) To display images or data

C) To store electrical energy

D) To produce sound waves

E) To detect radiation

2. Who is credited with discovering the electron using the CRT?

A) Ernest Rutherford

B) James Chadwick

C) Robert Millikan

D) J.J. Thomson

E) Niels Bohr

3. What is emitted from the cathode in a cathode ray tube?

A) Light waves

B) Protons

C) Neutrons

D) Electrons

E) Alpha particles

4. What is the charge of cathode rays?

A) Positive

B) Negative

C) Neutral

D) Alternating

E) Varies with pressure

5. In the CRT, electrons travel from:

A) Anode to cathode

B) Positive plate to negative plate

C) Cathode to anode

D) Grid to filament

E) Collector to base

6. Which component emits the cathode rays?

A) Anode

B) Grid

C) Cathode

D) Screen

E) Transformer

7. What happens to cathode rays in the presence of an electric field?

A) They are unaffected

B) They stop completely

C) They are attracted to the negative plate

D) They are attracted to the positive plate

E) They move in a circular path

8. What type of particle are cathode rays made of?

A) Protons

B) Photons

C) Neutrons

D) Electrons

E) Atoms

9. Which experiment led to the calculation of the charge-to-mass ratio of the electron?

A) Oil drop experiment

B) Rutherford gold foil experiment

C) J.J. Thomson’s cathode ray experiment

D) Millikan’s photoelectric experiment

E) Bohr’s spectral line experiment

10. What is the role of the phosphorescent screen in a CRT?

A) Absorbs heat

B) Reflects light

C) Emits light when struck by electrons

D) Creates sound

E) Produces radio waves

11. Why did the cathode rays bend toward the positive plate in Thomson's experiment?

A) They are heavy

B) They are made of light

C) They are negatively charged

D) They are positively charged

E) They are magnetic

12. What did J.J. Thomson’s experiment with the CRT help prove?

A) The atom is indivisible

B) Atoms contain small, negatively charged particles

C) Atoms are made of protons only

D) Light behaves like particles

E) Electrons are in fixed orbits

13. The path of cathode rays can be affected by:

A) Sound

B) Heat

C) Magnetic and electric fields

D) Chemical reactions

E) Color filters

14. What gas pressure is used inside a cathode ray tube?

A) Very high

B) Atmospheric

C) Slightly below atmospheric

D) Low pressure

E) Vacuum

15. Which part of the CRT accelerates the cathode rays?

A) Cathode only

B) Anode

C) Phosphorescent screen

D) Glass envelope

E) Deflection plates

16. What is the material of the cathode usually made of?

A) Plastic

B) Copper

C) Glass

D) Metal

E) Ceramic

17. In early CRT experiments, what caused the glow on the screen?

A) Light from cathode

B) Chemical reaction

C) Fluorescence due to electron impact

D) Air pressure

E) Heat emission

18. Which of the following best describes cathode rays?

A) Waves of sound

B) Streams of electrons

C) Charged atoms

D) Bundles of light

E) Magnetic fields

19. What happens if a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to cathode rays?

A) No effect

B) Rays stop moving

C) Rays bend in a curved path

D) Rays become faster

E) Screen turns dark

20. What conclusion did Thomson draw from his cathode ray tube experiments?

A) Atoms are the smallest unit of matter

B) The nucleus is positively charged

C) Electrons are components of all atoms

D) Neutrons do not exist

E) Energy is quantized

 

 Answer Key with Explanations

    1. B – CRTs are mainly used to display images or signals (TVs, monitors, oscilloscopes).

    2. D – J.J. Thomson discovered the electron using the CRT.

    3. D – Electrons are emitted from the cathode in CRTs.

    4. B – Cathode rays are negatively charged.

    5. C – Electrons move from cathode (negative) to anode (positive).

    6. C – The cathode emits electrons.

    7. D – Because electrons are negatively charged, they are attracted to the positive plate.

    8. D – Cathode rays consist of electrons.

    9. C – J.J. Thomson used the CRT to calculate the electron’s charge-to-mass ratio.

    10. C – The screen emits light (glows) when hit by electrons.

    11. C – The bending showed electrons have negative charge.

    12. B – The experiment showed atoms have internal structure, including negative particles.

    13. C – Both electric and magnetic fields can deflect cathode rays.

    14. D – CRTs operate under low pressure to allow electron flow.

    15. B – The anode accelerates electrons toward the screen.

    16. D – The cathode is made of metal that emits electrons.

    17. C – The glow is caused by fluorescence when electrons hit the screen.

    18. B – Cathode rays are streams of electrons.

    19. C – A magnetic field bends cathode rays in a curved path.

    20. C – Thomson concluded that electrons exist in all atoms.

Cathode Ray Tube:  Questions and the Discovery of the Electron

Practical Classroom Applications


Teachers can apply this topic through a variety of classroom activities:

  • Demonstrate how cathode ray experiments led to the discovery of the electron.
  • Compare Thomson's findings with Rutherford's and Millikan's experiments.
  • Use diagrams and simulations to illustrate the operation of a cathode ray tube.
  • Discuss the impact of electron discovery on atomic theory.
  • Explore the historical development of scientific models and experimental methods.
  • Integrate chemistry and physics concepts through studies of charged particles.
  • Encourage inquiry-based learning focused on evidence and scientific reasoning.
  • Prepare students for chemistry and physics examinations and standardized science assessments.

compartilhe compartilhe

Share Social !


Ronaldo Silva: Professor and Specialist in Science Education from University Federal FLuminense/RJ, with over 25 years of teaching experience..

 
About | Terms of Use | Cookies Polices | Privacy

Questions: Science, Math and Chemistry

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.