I have a pretty basic question regarding the beam of electrons as a result of thermionic emission.
In an electron gun, the emitted electrons from the cathode become incident at a point on the other end of the tube, as they travel through a gap allocated in the anode.
I understand that the motion of the electrons from the cathode to the anode is as a result of the electric field, and as a result, the electrons are accelerated towards the positively charged anode.
- Is this attraction, due the the electric field, the electrostatic attraction and repulsion, from the anode and cathode respectively?
After some electrons pass through the hole in the anode, they are no longer in the electric field, and so as a result, travel at constant velocity, towards the wall of the tube.
What i don't understand is why the electrons don't decelerate, as after they have passed the anode, would they not be attracted to it, due to it being positively charged,and electrons being positively charged?
Finally, is thermionic emission an explanation of how 'cathode rays' are produced? If not, how are cathode rays produced/ are there any other ways the elections can be emitted from the cathode?
Cheers.