Cathode ray tube- thermionic emission

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the operation of cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and the role of the electron gun and fluorescent screen. The electron gun emits electrons that strike the fluorescent screen, raising concerns about electron loss. It is clarified that a conductive layer in the phosphor screen allows electrons to return to the electron gun, maintaining a complete circuit. Both the electron gun and phosphor screen are typically connected to a ground potential, facilitating electron flow. Ultimately, the system ensures that there is no significant loss of electrons, allowing the CRT to function effectively.
Nemika
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I have just learned about the cathode ray tube in the class room. There is a part called electron gun in it which emits electrons and these electrons finally strike the fluorescent screen.(I hope its correct till here.) But I want to ask that won't there be a loss of electrons in this process since the fluorescent screen is not connected in a circuit to pass these electrons to the initial atoms from which they where lost.
Thanks in advance for any reply.
 
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There is a circuit connecting the fluorescent screen back to the electron gun. There is a conductive layer incorporated into the phosphor screen to conduct the electrons away. Without this, the phosphor screen would charge up to a large negative potential until it repels the incoming electrons and the CRT ceases to function. The conductive layer conducts the electrons back to ground so there is a complete circuit between the electron gun and the phosphor screen.
 
phyzguy said:
There is a circuit connecting the fluorescent screen back to the electron gun.
So does this circuit takes these electrons back to the electron gun or are they earthed(I found the second one on a website).
 
Nemika said:
So does this circuit takes these electrons back to the electron gun or are they earthed(I found the second one on a website).

Typically both the electron gun and the phosphor screen are connected to a ground (earth) potential. This gives a path for the electrons to flow from the phosphor screen back to the electron gun. They can't be directly connected together because they are at different potentials. It doesn't really matter whether the electrons flow from the phosphor screen, through a power supply and back to the electron gun, or whether electrons flow from the phosphor screen to ground and other electrons flow from ground to the electron gun. The net result is the same.
 
Thanx for clearing my doubt.
 
So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks

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