Exam-style question
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What conclusion can be drawn from the deflection of cathode rays in electric and magnetic fields?.
- A.Cathode rays are composed of neutral particles.
- B.Cathode rays consist of positively charged particles.
- C.Cathode rays consist of negatively charged particles.
- D.Cathode rays have no mass.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Cathode rays consist of negatively charged particles.
Explanation
Why this works
The evidence from the deflection of cathode rays in electric and magnetic fields shows that they are influenced by these fields. This indicates that they must be negatively charged.
Therefore, the conclusion is that cathode rays are made up of electrons, which are fundamental to atomic structure.
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