Properties of cathode rays

1.   They are produced by the negative electrode, or cathode,and travel towards the anode.

2.    They travel in straight lines and produce sharp shadows.When an opaque object like a metal cross is placed in the path of cathode rays in a discharge tube, a shadow of the metal cross is formed at the end opposite to the cathode.

3.    They have energy and can do work thus produce a mechanical effects On a light paddle in the path of cathode rays that the blades of the paddle wheel will rotate. This shows that cathode rays are a beam of particles having mass and possessing kinetic energy.

4.   They are deflected by electric and magnetic fields and have a negative charge. Are Negatively ChargedWhen an electric field is applied in the path of cathode rays, they are deflected towards the positive plate of the electric field, which shows cathode rays are made up of negatively charged particles.

5.   They are beams of tiny, negatively charged particles called electrons.