How can I calculate the deflection of an electron in a cathode ray tube?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a problem from Krauss's EM text regarding the deflection of electrons in a cathode-ray tube. Participants share their approaches to derive the deflection formula, y = (V_d l^2)/(2V_a d), and clarify the calculations involving kinetic energy and acceleration due to electric fields. One user initially struggles with the connection between the velocities and deflection but ultimately realizes the importance of the relationship vy/vx = y/x. The conversation highlights the process of working through physics problems collaboratively, leading to a clearer understanding of the concepts involved. The exchange demonstrates the value of discussing complex topics to overcome mental blocks.
pmb_phy
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Its funny how one can forget how to do very simple things. :rolleyes:

Here is a problem I've been working on and have a mental block and can't get the darn solution. It's from Krauss's EM text
(page 206 Problem 5-4-12)

Cathode-ray tube. Electric field deflection Show that thte deflection of an electron at the screen of a cathode-ray tube is given by

y = \frac{V_d l x}{2V_a d}

where

y = deflection distance at screen, m
Vd = deflecting potential, V
L = length of deflecting plate, m
x = distance from deflecting plates to screen, m
Va = accelerating potential, V
d = spacing of deflecting plates, m
Note: Assume non-relativistic motion. I'm assuming beam enters between places with d/2 on each side

First thing to do is to find vx which is found from the kinetic energy which it gains as it accelerates through a difference of potential Va. Therefore

K = \frac{1}{2}mv_x^2 = eV_a

solve for mv_x^2 to get

v_x = \sqrt{\frac{2eV}{m}}

The y-component of velocity is found through

F = ma_y = eE_y = eV_d/d

a_y = \frac{eV_d}{md}

y = a_y t^2 = \frac{eV_d}{md}t^2

where t is the time it takes the particle to travel a distance l. So t = l/vx. Upon substitution this gives

y = a_y t^2 = \frac{eV_d}{md}\frac{l^2}{(ev_x)^2}

y = \frac{V_d}{d}\frac{l^2}{2V_a}

y = \frac{V_d l^2}{2V_ad}

That's about as far as I've gotten. Unless they were thinking that one should find v_y/v_x and note that v_y/v_x = y/x??

Pete
 
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Okay,Pete,u're on the right track.But u didn't mention what your problem was... :confused: What's buggin'u??

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
Okay,Pete,u're on the right track.But u didn't mention what your problem was... :confused: What's buggin'u??

Daniel.
Sorry Dan. I had to run off in the middle of doling that since my ride showed up early. When I got back I realize my error. So I'll work it out and paste it here anyway. I guess I just needed to describe it to someone else to figure what I did wrong.

Thanks

Pete
 
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I still need help here folks. I just can't see how to arrive at that answer. It must be all that snow outside! :smile:

Pete
 
The equations of motion (for connstant acceleration) are:
v_{x}(t)=v_{0,x}+a_{x}t

v_{y}(t)=v_{0,y}+a_{y}t

x(t)=x_{0}+v_{0,x}t+\frac{1}{2}a_{x}t^{2}

y(t)=y_{0}+v_{0,y}t+\frac{1}{2}a_{y}t^{2}


Chose axis of coordinates for your problem in a convenient way (par éxample,the Electric field should be along one of the 2 axis).You know the inital conditions and the expresion for the acceleration (electric force divided by mass).

You need to find the trajectory (namely that parabola arch).From the geometry of the problem,u should get the result pretty easily.

Good luck!

Daniel.
 
It was much easier than I thought. I guess I just didn't make the connection that when the charge leaves the plates they travel in straight lines and therefore vy/vx = y/x.

The charge is accelerated through a potential difference, Va, in the x-direction and it follows from that and K = eVa that

v_x = \sqrt{\frac{2eV_a}{m}}

which can be written as

\frac{1}{v_x^2} = \frac{m}{2eV_a}

The charge travels through the deflecting plates in a time T = L/v_x

The charge will accelerate in the y-direction by the amount

a_y = \frac{eV_d}{md}

Therefore the particle's vy increases from zero to vy as

v_y = \frac{eV_d}{md}\frac{L}{v_x}

Now divide each side by vx to find

\frac{v_y}{v_y} = \frac{eV_d}{md}\frac{L}{v_x^2}

Substitute the expression for the square of vx and substitute

vy/vx = y/x

on the left and multiply by x and the solution yields. Yay! :smile:

Pete
 
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y=\frac{1}{2}a_{y}t^{2}

Pay attention!That's why it wasn't any 2 in your formula...

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
y=\frac{1}{2}a_{y}t^{2}

Pay attention!That's why it wasn't any 2 in your formula...

Daniel.
What is it that you didn't think I was paying attention to Dan?

Pete
 
pmb_phy said:
y = a_y t^2 = \frac{eV_d}{md}t^2


Pete

That's rotten.I cannot believe how u managed to pull it through... :rolleyes:

Daniel.
 
  • #10
I know you've found the solution already, but here's a tidy way to do it.
{eV_d\over d}=ma_y= m{d^2y\over dt^2} = mv^2\,y''=2eV_a\,y''
(which is actually the "paraxial ray approximation", prime is derivative wrt x)
So
y''={1\over 2d}{V_d\over V_a}
Integrate through the plates to get
\Delta y'={L\over 2d}{V_d\over V_a}
and integrate from end of plates to screen to get the desired answer.
 
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