Electrons and Anode Current

Most recent answer: 11/13/2007

Q:
In a cathode ray tube why dont the electrons in the beam cling to the anode(opposite charges attract eachother, right?)
Thanks
- Nimish (age 15)
Mumbai, India
A:
Good question.   The electrons do reach the anode and collect there but only temporarily. Remember that the anode is connected to the cathode by a battery.  So the battery forces the excess electrons back to the cathode through a wire.  This is just a current in the wire.
No problem.   If the anode is not connected by a wire then it will charge up to a negative potential and eventually repel any more electrons from collecting. 

LeeH


(published on 11/13/2007)