Energy conservation and particle acceleration

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the principles of energy conservation in the context of particle acceleration, specifically in Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs). It clarifies that the kinetic energy gained by electrons, when accelerated by a potential difference between the anode and cathode, is equal to the energy supplied to create that potential difference. The confusion arises from the observation that some electrons do not hit the anode but still possess kinetic energy. It is established that energy conservation is maintained as electrons can change potential energy by traveling along paths that are not perpendicular to the electric field, without necessarily impacting the anode.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly energy conservation.
  • Familiarity with Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) operation and components.
  • Knowledge of electric fields and potential difference.
  • Basic principles of particle acceleration and kinetic energy.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of energy conservation in electric fields.
  • Study the operation and design of Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs).
  • Learn about the behavior of charged particles in electric fields.
  • Explore advanced topics in particle physics and acceleration mechanisms.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, amateur physicists, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of energy conservation and particle dynamics in electric fields.

Axe199
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As i am a physics amateur and most of what i learned is through videos, i sometimes get confused about energy conservation, my question concerns particle acceleration in CRT for example, we create a potential difference ( which requires energy) between the anode and the cathode, then the electrons are ejected at the cathode and accelerates towards the anode. Now naturally ( according to my narrow knowledge) the kinetic energy gained by the electrons is equal to the energy used in the charge separation to create the potential difference, because the electrons hit the anode they decrease the charge separation, but in the case of a CRT, some of them miss the anode to hit the screen or whatever, so where does this energy come from? the part i don't understand is how it gained energy and it didnt hit the anode to decrease the potential to compensate for the energy it gained.
 
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You do not need to hit anything to change potential energy. It is sufficient to travel along a path which is not perpendicular to the electric field.
 
Orodruin said:
You do not need to hit anything to change potential energy. It is sufficient to travel along a path which is not perpendicular to the electric field.
Can you explain more please
 

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