Electrons & Gases: Changing Colour w/ Speed Increase

Thread starter James12345678
Start date Mar 10, 2015
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Classical physics Electrons Gases

AI Thread Summary

An electron beam itself does not possess color, but when it interacts with a gas, it can cause the gas to fluoresce, resulting in visible colors. The phenomenon of fluorescence occurs as the gas is excited by the electron beam. The discussion highlights the relationship between electron speed and the resulting color changes in the gas. For further understanding, a reference to a Wikipedia article on cathode rays is provided. The interaction between electrons and gases is key to observing color changes.

Mar 10, 2015

James12345678

What type of gas would change the colour of an electron beam as the speed of the electrons increases?

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Mar 10, 2015

davenn

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Hi there James
welcome to PF

an electron beam doesn't have a colour

but exciting a gas with a beam of electrons will cause the gas to glow
this is called fluorescence

have a look at this wiki link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathode_ray

cheers
Dave

Last edited: Mar 10, 2015

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