Magnets and television screens

In summary, magnets can mess up television screens because the magnetic fields they create can interfere with the movement of electrons, which are responsible for creating the image on a CRT television. This phenomenon occurs because charged particles create magnetic fields and magnetic fields can also exert a force on charged particles. It is important to be cautious when using strong magnets near a TV, as they can permanently damage the color filter and distort the picture.
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serahhhh
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Why do magnets mess up television screens? What is the science behind it?
 
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A CRT television creates an image by directing a stream of electrons with electric fields. When you bring magnets near the screen the electrons experience a force which deflects them therefore destroying the image.
 
  • #3
A moving charged particle creates a magnetic field and similarly a magnetic field creates a force on a moving charged particle.

A TV (at least one with a glass tube, not a Plasma or LCD) works by firing a stream of electrons from a gun at the back to light up the screen. Since electrons are charged the magnetic field bends the beam.

ps. Be careful, most color TVs have a metal sheet just inside the glass to hold the color filter. If you hold a strong magnet too close you can permanently magnetize this sheet and make the picture permanently distorted.
 

What are magnets and how do they work?

Magnets are objects that have a magnetic field, which is a force that can attract or repel other magnets or magnetic materials. This is due to the alignment of the electrons in the material, creating a north and south pole.

How are magnets used in television screens?

Magnets are not typically used in modern television screens. However, older cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions used magnets to control the movement of the electron beam, which was responsible for creating the images on the screen.

Can magnets damage or affect television screens?

Yes, strong magnets placed near a television screen can potentially cause damage or affect the image quality. This is because the magnetic field can interfere with the electric current in the screen, causing distortion or discoloration.

Why do some people believe that magnets can improve television picture quality?

Some people believe that placing magnets on or near a television screen can improve picture quality because they may have experienced a temporary improvement in the image. However, this is likely due to the magnets temporarily realigning the electrons in the screen, but this effect is not long-lasting and can potentially cause damage to the television.

Are there any other uses for magnets in relation to televisions?

Aside from controlling the electron beam in older CRT televisions, magnets can also be used in the speakers of some televisions to create sound. This is because the magnetic field can interact with the electric current in the speaker, causing the diaphragm to vibrate and produce sound waves.

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