Electrons are negative, same charges repel, then what about this?

In summary, cathode rays, which are the flow of negatively charged electrons, can travel in a bundle without getting dispersed due to the specific parameters chosen for their movement. However, there is still some dispersion present. Lightning also travels in a bundle despite the repulsion between electrons, but this is due to the formation of a plasma path.
  • #1
Trojan666ru
104
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Cathode rays are the flow of election, since electrons are -vely charged, is it normal for the rays to travel almost in a bundle without getting dispersed due to it's repulsion?
If you say it's because of its velocity, then if you imagine each electrons, they are at almost rest to each other, then why won't they scatter?
Lightning, they too do the same, how could they travel in a bundle without getting repelled each other?
 
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  • #2
Trojan666ru said:
Cathode rays are the flow of election, since electrons are -vely charged, is it normal for the rays to travel almost in a bundle without getting dispersed due to it's repulsion?
The parameters (width of the beam, current, acceleration, length, ...) are chosen in such a way that dispersion is not problematic.
If you say it's because of its velocity, then if you imagine each electrons, they are at almost rest to each other, then why won't they scatter?
Dispersion exists, but the electrons are far away from each other and the travel time is very short in typical cathode ray tubes.

Lightning, they too do the same, how could they travel in a bundle without getting repelled each other?
You don't need a net charge for lightning, the atoms where the electrons are from are still there.
 
  • #3
When electricity arcs through air it forms a plasma path. The plasma path has lower resistance than regular air so the current follows it. Really big breakers actually blow air between the contacts as soon as they open to evacuate the plasma and extinguish the arc.
 
  • #4
As mfb points out, they do disperse. Just not so much that it is a problem.
 
  • #5


I can explain that the behavior of electrons and their movement in cathode rays and lightning is due to the fundamental principles of electromagnetism. While electrons do have a negative charge, they also have mass and therefore have inertia. This means that they will continue to move in a particular direction unless acted upon by an external force.

In the case of cathode rays, the electrons are accelerated by a voltage difference and therefore have a significant amount of kinetic energy. This means that they are able to overcome the repulsion between their negative charges and travel in a straight line. Additionally, the cathode ray tube is designed in a way to focus and direct the electrons into a narrow beam, which helps to prevent them from dispersing.

Similarly, in the case of lightning, the electrons are accelerated by the buildup of electrical potential between the clouds and the ground. This high voltage difference gives the electrons enough energy to overcome their repulsion and travel in a focused path towards the ground. Additionally, the air molecules in the path of the lightning strike become ionized, creating a conductive channel for the electrons to travel through without being scattered.

In summary, the movement of electrons in a focused path despite their negative charges is due to their mass and the external forces acting on them. The principles of electromagnetism and the design of certain structures, such as cathode ray tubes and lightning rods, also play a crucial role in preventing the electrons from scattering.
 

1. What is the charge of an electron?

Electrons have a negative charge of -1.602 x 10^-19 coulombs.

2. How do electrons interact with each other?

Electrons repel each other due to their negative charges. This is known as the principle of like charges repel.

3. Why do electrons repel each other if they are both negative?

This is due to the fundamental principle of electromagnetism that states that like charges repel each other. This means that particles with the same charge will push away from each other.

4. Can electrons attract each other?

Yes, electrons can attract each other if they are of opposite charges. This is known as the principle of opposite charges attract.

5. How do electrons contribute to the properties of matter?

Electrons play a crucial role in determining the physical and chemical properties of matter. Their arrangement and movement within atoms and molecules determine the behavior and characteristics of different substances.

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