How do electrons travel in different mediums?

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SUMMARY

Electrons do not travel straight in Earth's atmosphere due to the presence of minor electric fields and the insulating properties of air. Lightning and static electricity exhibit non-linear paths because ionization occurs unevenly, creating a plasma that allows current flow only when a strong electric field breaks down the air. The shape of electric fields, influenced by the configuration of charges, further contributes to the curvature of electron paths. Cathode rays in televisions typically follow curved trajectories due to electric fields produced by coils.

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  • Understanding of electric fields and their influence on charged particles
  • Knowledge of ionization processes in gases
  • Familiarity with plasma physics and its properties
  • Basic principles of cathode ray tube technology
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  • Research the principles of ionization in different gases
  • Study the behavior of electric fields in various mediums
  • Explore the physics of plasma and its applications
  • Learn about the design and function of cathode ray tubes
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Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in the behavior of electrons in different mediums and the principles of electricity and ionization.

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We all know Newtons law. An object in motion will stay in motion on straight path unless acted on by another force. Light travels straight,X-rays travel straight,Gamma Rays travels straight but electricity doesn't travel straight.

ELectrons which are relate to the radiowave part of the spectrum I guessdoesn't travel straight in Earth's atmosphere. I don't know if it travels straight space or a vacuum but never have I seen it do it here. What I want to know is why doesn't lightning or static electricity travel straight. Is it cause there are minor electric fields acting on it or because air is an insulator? Cathode rays which are electrons I believe travel straight in our TVs. And the solar wind moves,I'm not sure if it's straight though. Unless we can get charged particles to move straight we have to use Neutrons in our ray guns.
 
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It is due to differing rates of ionisation, not all the air becomes ionised. Basically, air is a good insulator, the only way a current can flow is if a massive electric field breaks down the air. The strong electric field causes the atoms in the air to become ionised forming a plasma; I would like to emphisise that the net charge remains unchanged. This ionisation creates a large number of electrons which can then flow to earth. However, ionisation may not occur equally in all directions leading to a 'bent' path. In addition the shape of an electric field is determined by the shape of the two charges. If the thunder cloud is parallel to the Earth's surface, then the electric flux lines would be straight down, otherwise the electric flux lines would be curved.

How stuff works - my best friend ; http://science.howstuffworks.com/lightning4.htm

Hope this helps.

~H
 
Last edited:
Line said:
Cathode rays which are electrons I believe travel straight in our TVs.

Actually, they usually follow a curved path, but this is due to an electric field produced by coils, see wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathode_ray_tube

~H
 

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