LESSON 1Understanding the uses of

Pancaran
Termion
the Cathode
Ray Oscilloscope
(C.R.O)
(a)Pengertian

(3) Types of metal

Different types of metal has different rate of
thermionic emission.
The good metals are tungsten, barium oxide and
strontium oxide.

The meaning of thermionic emission

Cathode ray
Cathode ray is a narrow beam of a fast electrons
moving in a vacuum.

The emission of electrons from the surface of a

heated metal or heated metal cathode.
The thermionic emission is a bit like electrons
electrons being evaporated off from the hot wire.

Electron gun ( Cathode-ray tube)

Cathode ray can be produced by using an electron
gun.
Such tubes, known as cathode-ray tubes ,have many
applications including the television , cathode ray
oscilloscope (CRO) , Visual display unit (monitor) ,
radar screen , Maltese cross tube , Deflection Tube
and X-Ray tube.

The mechanism of thermionic emission

A large number of electrons are free roam about

inside a metal but an electron traveling outwards t the
surface is held back by the attractive forces of the
atomic nuclei near the surface.
However, when the metal is heated , some of
electrons have gained enough kinetic energy (thermal
energy) to escape from its surface.

The design of a Cathode-ray tube and how it

works?

Sources to produce the thermionic emission

Thermionic emission can be only be produced with
certain metals, because it occurs at temperatures
similar to their melting point.
A tungsten filament lamp was found to release
electrons from it is filament at 2 300K.
It has been found that a metal filament coated with
oxides of barium and strontium will release lots of
thermal electrons at the much lower temperature of
1 300 K and will still emit some electrons at 1 000 K.

A cathode-ray tube consist of a vacuum tube , anode

, cathode and a heating filament and screen.
The vacuum tube is an evacuated glass tube.
The anode has a hole in it to focusing the electrons.
The cathode is heated by a tungsten filament .
The heated cathode emits electrons and are
accelerated at a high speed between anode and
cathode because a high voltage is applied between
the cathode and anode. The accelerated and fine
beam electrons (cathode-ray) strikes the fluorescent
screen causes the screen fluoresces with green light.

Factors that affect the rate of thermionic

emission
(1) Surface area of the cathode
As the surface area of the cathode increases
the rate of thermionic emission increases
(2) Temperature of the cathode
As the temperature of the cathode increases
the rate of thermionic emission increases

of motion.

To investigate the properties of cathode rays

The properties of cathode rays is investigated by
using Maltase cross tube and deflection tube.
Deflection tube

Maltase cross tube

Procedure
6V heater
supply is
connected

Observation
A shadow
of the cross
is seen

6V heater
supply
and 3 kV
power
supply are
connected

The green
shadow of
the cross is
seen same
size and at
the same
position as
the shadow
form by the
light

A bar
magnet is
brought
close to
the
cathode
rays

The
cathode ray
shadow is
moved and
distorted

Explanation
The
shadow is
formed by
the ray
from the
heated
filament
The
shadow is
formed by
the cathode
rays

The
catapult
force is
produced
because
and the
cathode
rays carry
a charge

Procedure Observation
6V heater
supply
and 3 kV
power
supply are
connected
6V heater
supply
and 3 kV
power
supply are
connected
and also
1000 V
power
supply is
connected
to the
metal
plates
6V heater
supply
and 3 kV
power
supply are
connected
and also
1000 V
power
supply is
connected
to the
metal

Conclusion
Light rays
travel in a
straight line

Cathode rays
travel in a
straight line.
Cathode rays
cause
fluorescence.
Cathode rays
carry kinetic
energy and
converts to
light energy
when they hit
the screen.
Cathode rays
can be
deflected by
magnetic
fields. The
Flemings
left-hand rule
is used to
determine
the direction

Explanation
No electric
fields
between
two the
metal
plates
Electric
field exists
between
two plates

Conclusion
Light rays
travel in a
straight
line

Electric
field exists
between
two plates

Cathode
ray is
negatively
charged

Cathode
ray is
negatively
charged

plates in
reverse
Properties of Cathode Rays
1. Travel in a straight lines in vacuum.
2. Possess kinetic energy and momentum
3. Produce fluorescent effect
4. Negatively charged
5. Deflected by an electric field towards a positive
plate
6. Deflected by a magnetic field. The direction of
deflection is determined by using Flemings Lefthand rule
7. Cause ionization of gas molecules
8. Can penetrate thin aluminium foil ,thin paper
and thin graphite layer
9. Affect photographic plates
10. Produce heat and X-radiation in a X-ray tube
11. Charge of one electron ,e = 1.6 x 10 -19 C
12. Mass of electron, me = 9 x 10 -31 kg

Types of motion of the cathode rays in a cathode

rays tube

Region
PQ : Cathode to anode
QR: Anode to screen

Types of motion
Uniform acceleration
Uniform velocity

Energy conversion of electrons in Cathode rays

Example 1
The diagram shows is applied to a cathode ray
motion.
What is direction of the cathode ray is shifted?

Region
P : Anode

Types of energy
Electrical potential
energy
Kinetic energy

QR: Anode to cathode

and screen

To determine the velocity of electrons

From the principle of conservation of energy,

for each electron,

Solution

Electrical potential energy = Kinetic energy

eV = mv2
hence,
v

2eV

m
v = velocity of the electrons
V = potential difference between anode and cathode
e = charge of one electron, 1.6 x 10 -19 C
m= mass of electron 9 x 10 -31 kg

(a) Structure and the functions of the main parts

of the Cathode Ray Oscilloscope ( CRO)

Example 2
The potential difference between anode and cathode
in an electron gun is 5 kV. Calculate the kinetic
energy of the electrons?
(e = 1.6 x 10 -19 C)
Solution
Main part

Example 3

Electron gun

In the vacuum tube of a television receiver , a

cathode ray is produced and accelerated through a
potential difference 7 kV. Determine the velocity of the
cathode ray?
[ e =1.6 x 10 -19 C and me= 9 x 10 -31 ]
Solution

Component
Filament

Function
To heat up the cathode

Cathode

Emits electrons through

the thermionic emission
process

Control
Grid

Controls the number of

electrons that will
through it and hence
control the brightness of
the image on the screen

Focusing
anode

Focuses the electrons

into a beam

Accelerating
anode
Y-plates

To accelerate electrons
to towards the screen
To deflect the electron
beam vertically

X-plates

To deflect the electron

beam horizontally
To convert the kinetic
energy of the electron
beam into the light
energy

Deflection
system
Fluorescent
screen

Fluorescent
screen

Graphite
coating

To channel the electrons

striking the screen to the
Earth

Handling CRO

Knob / switch
On/off
Brilliance
X-shift
Y-shift
Y-gain

Time-base controls

X-input
Y-input
AC/DC switch

(1)

Function / control
To on or off the CRO
To control the intensity of he
bright spot
To adjust the horizontal
position of the bright spot
To adjust the vertical position
of the bright spot
To amplified the small voltage
across the Y-plates to deflect
the electron beam. The
control is calibrated in volt per
cm
Connected to the X-plates to
control the frequency at which
the beam sweeps horizontally
across the screen. The
control is calibrated in time per
cm
To connect the source of
potential difference to X-plates
To connect the source of
potential difference to Y-plates
Selected according to the type
of input received

Displaying waveforms

(2) Measuring the potential difference power

supply
The CRO is switched on.
The time-base circuit is switched off.
Adjust the spot to centre of the screen.
A dry cell is connected to the Y-input.
The vertical displacement of the spot is
recorded = H cm
The Y-gain setting is recorded = Y volt/cm
The potential difference across the dry
cell is calculated , V = YH volt
(3) Measuring a short time interval
The CRO is switched on.
The time-base circuit is switched on.
The Y-gain is adjusted so that the wave
form displayed is easy to see.
A microphone is connected to the input-Y.
Two claps are made close to the
microphone.
The distance between two pulses on the
screen is recorded = d
The time-base control setting is recorded
= x ms / cm
The time lapse between the two claps is
calculated , t = xd ms

Uses of CRO
(1) Displaying waveforms
(2) As voltmeter (measuring potential difference)
(3) As a clock (Measuring short time intervals or
frequency)

Example 4
The diagram shows a waveform obtained from an a.c.
power supply connected to Y-input of a CRO.
[ Y-gain setting = 20 V cm-1 and
Time-base control setting = 5 ms cm-1 ]

Example 5
The figure shows a waveform obtained on the screen
of CRO at an airport radar station. The point X and Y
indicate the time transmission to an aero plane and
time of receiving the reflected signals by the radar
station .
[ Time-base control setting of the CRO = 50 ms cm-1 ]

Determine,
(a) the period of the signal
(b) the frequency of the signal
(c) the peak to peak voltage
(d) the peak voltage

Determine
(a) The time travels of the radar from X to Y.
(b) The distance between the radar station and the
aero plane.
[ Speed of light = 3 x 108 ms-1 ]

Solution

Solution

When the electrons move through vacuum in an

electron gun , the electron beam
A
B
C
D

becomes narrow and is charged

becomes heavier and is charged
moves with a high velocity and is charged
becomes narrow and moves with a high
velocity

TUTORIAL 1
1

The emission of electrons from the surface of a

heated metal is called
A
B
C
D

Vaporization
Condensation
Cathode emission
Thermionic emission

A
B
C
D

A
B
C
D

The temperature of the metal

The surface area of the metal
The shape of the metal
The type of the metal

A
B

What is emitted by the hot metal filament in a

cathode-ray tube?
A
C

the reflection of electrons from a heavy

metal target
the collision of electrons with the
fluorescent screen
the release of electrons from a hot metal
surface
the deflection of electron through an
electric field

The diagram shows a cathode-ray tube. What is

the types of motion of the cathode ray at
sections JK and KL?

The rate of thermionic emission is not depends

on
A
B
C
D

Transistor
Television
Maltese cross tube
Cathode Ray Oscilloscope

Thermionic emission is process involving

8

Which of the following not involving the

thermionic emission ?

-particles
Protons

B
D

C
D

Electrons
X-rays
9

A narrow beam of a fast electrons moving in a

vacuum is called
A
C

X- ray
Cathode ray

B
D

Zero
acceleration

KL
Uniform
acceleration
Uniform
velocity
Zero
acceleration
Zero velocity

Which of the following is not the property of

cathode rays?
A
B
C
D

Alpha ray
Gamma ray

JK
Uniform
velocity
Uniform
acceleration
Zero velocity

Negatively charged
Produce fluorescent effect
Cause ionization of gas molecules
Moves with speed o light in vacuum

10

11

Which of the following is the property of

cathode rays?
A Possess kinetic energy and momentum
B An electromagnetic waves
C Has a high penetrating power
D Positively charged
In an electron gun ,the anode is connected to a
positive potential to
A
B
C
D

12

prevent the electrons hit the screen

attract the electrons to accelerate
control the number of electrons
heat the filament

The diagram shows a cathode-ray tube.

14

The diagram shows a shadow of the Maltese

Cross tube formed on the CRO screen.
Where can the shadow be observed when the
direction of the electron beam in an upward
direction out of the paper?

15

The diagram shows an electron beam through a

magnetic field.
In which direction will the electron beam is
deflected?

Which of the following is happened when the

voltage of the high voltage supply is increased?
A
B
C
D
13

The temperature of the filament increases

the rate of thermionic emission increases
The velocity of the electrons increases
The number of the electrons increases

The diagram shows to bar magnets are placed

in between a Maltese Cross tube.
In which direction will the shadow of the Maltese
Cross is shifted?

D
20

Which of the components in a CRO controls the

brightness of the image on the screen ?
A
B
C
D

21

17

5.3 x 107 ms-1

3.3 x 104 ms-1
1.3 x 102ms-1

B
D

23

Which of the following is not the uses of CRO?

A To measure the potential difference
B To measure the short time intervals
C To measure the current
D To display the waveforms
The diagram shows the trace on the of a CRO
when a power supply is connected to the Y-input
of the CRO.

Which of the following is true?

Type of the power
Time-base
supply
control
A
d.c.
off
B
a.c.
off
C
d.c.
on
D
a.c.
on

Focusing anode
Control grid
Cathode
Y-plates

What is the function of X-plates in CRO?

A
B
C

Control the intensity of he bright spot

adjust the horizontal position of the bright
spot
connect the source of potential difference
to X-plates
Control the frequency at which the beam
sweeps horizontally across the screen.

4.3 x 106 ms-1

2.3 x 103ms-1

Which components cannot be found in the

electron gun of a CRO?
A
B
C
D

19

22

A 4.0 x 10-22 J
B 4.0 x 10-20 J
C 6.4 x 10-19 J
D
6.4 x 10-16 J
-14
E 4.0 x 10 J
An electron is accelerated between anode and
cathode through a potential difference 8 kV.
What is the velocity of the electron?
[ e =1.6 x 10 -19 C and me= 9 x 10 -31 ]
A
C
E

18

The potential difference between anode and

cathode in an electron gun is 4 kV. Calculate the
kinetic energy of the electrons?
(e = 1.6 x 10 -19 C)

Filament
Control grid
Focusing anode
Accelerating anode

What is the function the time-base switch in a

CRO?
A
B

16

To convert the kinetic energy of the

electron beam into the light energy

24

To deflect the electron beam vertically

To deflect the electron beam horizontally
To convert a spot to a straight line

The diagram shows the trace on the of a CRO

when an a.c. power supply is connected to the
Y-input of the CRO.

Which of the following tracing is formed on the

screen when the a.c. power supply is replaced
by a dry cell?

26

25

The diagram shows a bright spot formed on the

screen of a CRO and a magnetic field is applied.

The diagram shows a bright spot at the centre of

the screen of a CRO.
Where can the spot be observed now?

What is the new position of the spot when P is

adjusted so that its potential difference is higher
than R and Q has a lower potential difference
than S.

10

27

The diagram shows a bright spot at the centre of

the screen of a CRO.

30
What is the new position of the spot when the
switch is closed?

The diagram shows a waveform is displayed on

the screen of a CRO when a moving an a.c.
power supply is connected to Y-input of the
CRO.

Which waveform will be displayed when the Ygain is adjusted?

28

The diagram shows a waveform is displayed on

the screen of a CRO when a moving d.c.
generator supply is connected to Y-input of the
CRO.

31

The diagram shows a waveform is displayed on

the screen of a CRO when an a.c. power l is
connected to Y-input of the CRO .The time-base
is switched off

What is the peak voltage of the alternating

current when the Y-gain of the CRO is adjusted
at 20 V cm-1?

Which waveform will be displayed when the Yshift is adjusted?

11

A
C
E
32

80.0 V
40.0 V
15.9 V

B
D

56.6 V
28.3 V

A
C
E

The diagram shows a waveform from a signal

is displayed on the screen of a CRO.

35

5 x 10 -3 s
1 x 10 -2 s
7.5 x 10-2 s

B
D

7.5 x10 -3 s
5 x 10-2 s

The figure shows a waveform obtained on the

screen of CRO at an airport radar station. The
point M and N indicate the time transmission to
an aero plane and time of receiving the
reflected signals by the radar station .
[ Time-base control setting of the CRO = 5 ms
cm-1 , the speed of light = 3 x 10 8 m s -1 ]

What is the frequency of the signal when the

time-base switch is adjusted at 20 ms cm-1?
A
C
E
33

12.5 Hz
50 Hz
200 Hz

B
D

25 Hz
100 Hz

The diagram shows a waveform is displayed on

the screen of a CRO. The distance between two
successive peaks is 3 cm.

What is the distance between the radar station

and the aero plane.
A
C
E

What is the distance between two successive

peaks when the frequency of the waveform is
doubled?
A
C
E
34

0.75 cm
3.00 cm
6.00 cm

B
D

600 km
300 km
50 km

B
D

1500 km
100 km

1.50 cm
4.50 cm

The diagram shows a waveform is displayed on

the screen of a CRO when a moving an a.c.
power supply is connected to Y-input of the
CRO. The frequency of the alternating current is
200 Hz.

36

What is the time taken from A to B?

12

The diagram shows a cathode-ray tube.

............................................................
............................................................
(e) What happen to the energy possesses by
the electrons when they hit the screen of
the cathode-ray tube?
....................................................................
....................................................................
(f) The potential between the filament and
anode A is 9 kV.
[ e =1.6 x 10 -19 C and me= 9 x 10 -31 ]
Calculate,
(i) the kinetic energy of the electrons

(a) What is the thermionic emission meant?

....................................................................
....................................................................

(ii)

(b) What is the function of anode A?

the velocity of the electrons

....................................................................
....................................................................
(c) Explain why the tube must be a vacuum
tube?

37

The diagram shows the construction of a simple

cathode-ray oscilloscope.

....................................................................
....................................................................
....................................................................
(d) What will happen to the electrons when
(i) the current flows through the filament
is increased.
............................................................
(ii)

(a) State the name and the function

of component P .

............................................................
the voltage of 5 KV power supply is
increases.

....................................................................

............................................................

....................................................................

............................................................
(iii) the switch is closed.

13

(b) The filament can be heated by d.c. or a.c.

power supply. Explain why?

38

....................................................................

The diagram shows a waveform obtained from

an a.c. power supply connected to Y-input of a
CRO.

....................................................................
(c) Explain how is the control grid control the
brightness the screen?
...................................................
.................
....................................................................
(d) The time-base switch of the CRO is on.
Draw the waveform in the space below
when the Y-input of the CRO is connected
to
(a) a dry cell

(a) What is
(ii)

a transformer

(e) Give two advantages use the CRO to determine

the potential difference compare to the
voltmeter.
....................................................................
....................................................................
....................................................................
....................................................................

14

(i)

the frequency the current?

(i)

the peak voltage of the current?

(b) Draw the waveform display on the screen

of the CRO in figure below when
(i) the time-base switch is off.

(ii)

the time-base switch is on and the

a.c. power supply is replaced by a
d.c. generator.

15