Write the properties of cathode rays.

Explanation

(i) Cathode rays possess energy and momentum and travel in a straight line with high speed of the order of `10^(7)ms^(-1)`. It can be deflected by application of electric and magnetic fields. The direction of deflection indicates that they are negatively charged particles.
(ii) When the cathode rays are allowed to fall on matter, they produce heat. They affect the photographic plates and also produce fluorescence when they fall on certain crystals and minerals.
(iii) When the cathode rays fall on a material of high atomic weight, x-rays are produced.
(iv) Cathode rays ionize the gas through which they pass.
(v) The speed of cathode rays is up to `(1/10)^(th)` of the speed of light.