Physics PHYS 353

Electricity and Magnetism I Lab

Experiment #2

Deflection of Charged Particles by an Electric Field

I. Introduction
In this lab we will use a cathode ray tube to produce and accelerate a beam of electrons. We will
then measure the deflection of these electrons in a static, uniform electric field. The results of a
theoretical prediction based on Coulomb's and Newton's Laws will be compared to our
experimental results.

II. Theory
Figure 1 below presents a schematic diagram of the deflection plates in our experimental setup,
which we will use in making our calculations. The electron is incident on a region of uniform
electric field in the y-direction. This electric field exerts a force on the electron while it is in this
region. Therefore, when it leaves the electric field region it will have a component of velocity in
the y-direction, which will cause it to hit the screen off-center.

Figure 1. Schematic diagram of deflection plates in our experimental setup.

As we showed in class, the relationship between the deflection D, and the deflecting voltage VD
for an electron that has been accelerated through a voltage V is

VD l
D=L .
V 2d

In this lab you will be testing this prediction by measuring D as a function of VD for several values
of V.

III. Experimental Apparatus

The apparatus for this experiment consists of a cathode tray tube RCA 3RP1, and the resistor
chain voltage divider and HV power supply necessary to operate it. Construct the circuit as
described in Exercise #2 and test it out. Use a ring stand and clamp to support the CRT. Attach
0-30V power supplies to the deflection plates as shown in the schematic in Appendix A.

IV. Experimental Procedure

The basic procedure for this lab is as follows:

1. Find the electron beam. Turn on the HV supply and adjust the accelerating
voltage to about 300V. Adjust the focus and intensity controls to obtain a clear,
sharp beam spot on the screen.

2. Deflect electron beam. Now turn off the supplies and connect the beam
deflection voltage to the "vertical plates". These are the ones closest to the base,
and connected to pins 6 and 7.

3. Set up to reduce the effect of the Earth's magnetic field. As you know a
moving charge (the electron beam) can be deflected by a magnetic field. What is
the force on a moving charge in a magnetic field? Can the force be zero? Arrange
the CRT tube so that the Earth's magnetic field will not deflect the electron beam.
What is the direction of the Earth's magnetic field at the CRT? When you have the
tube orientated correctly the deflection should not change when the accelerating
voltage changes. Can you explain why?

4. Measure electron beam deflection. Now let's measure the deflection of the
electron beam. Keeping the accelerating and focusing voltages constant, measure
the deflection D as a function of deflecting voltage VD for your value of V.

5. Change Beam Voltage. Now change the beam voltage, V, three more times to
350 V, 400 V, 450 V, and 500 V. You may need to readjust the intensity and
focus. Again measure the deflection, D, as a function of deflecting voltage, VD.

V. Results
Make a plot of D versus VD for each of your values of V. Be sure to include error bars for each
measurement. Put the theory curve on each plot. Does the theory prediction agree with your
measurement?

In order to determine the theory curve, you will need to know L, the distance from the deflection
plates to the screen, l , the length of the deflection plate, and d, the separation of the deflection
plates. Rather than trying to measure them directly, you can measure these quantities from the
photographs of the electron gun in Appendix B. First determine the scale from the ruler in the
photograph, then determine l and d. The distance L can be measured but using the photograph
to find the distance from the end of the deflection plate to the edge of the base, then measuring
from the edge of the base to the screen on the outside of your intact CRT.
Here are some things to think about. I am sure you can add more.
1. From what point between the plates should we measure L? In class we decided,
(somewhat arbitrarily) to measure from the center. How big of an effect might this
have?
2. Why are the deflection plates flared instead of completely flat?
3. What is d if the plates are flared? Can you calculate an "effective d" that would be
appropriate?
4. You know the field between the plates is not perfectly uniform, especially because
of the fringe filed near the edges. What effect will the fringe field have? Could it
be reduced?
5. Is the force of gravity on the electron of any importance?
6. In the discussion of the electron beam motion we have not considered interactions
between electrons in the beam. How can this omission be justified?
7. How well do you know the voltages? How well do you trust your measured
dimensions?

VI. Laboratory Report

1. In your laboratory report be sure to include a detailed description of how you
made your theoretical calculation, as well as describe the apparatus and the
procedure you used to make the measurement.
2. You definitely should include a schematic diagram of the experiment as it actually
was (i.e. don't count on it being exactly what is in this lab handout.)
3. You should have plots of D versus VD for each of your values of V, with
uncertainties.
4. You should include some discussion of each of the questions above.
5. You should have a description of how you obtained these uncertainties. In the
conclusion you should tell us the "bottom line" -- is this theoretical model of the
electron deflection consistent or not with the measurement.
Appendix A -- Cathode Ray Tube Biasing Diagram
Appendix B -- Photograph of the RCA 3RP1 Cathode Ray Tube Electron Gun
Appendix C -- Schematic diagram of the 3RP1 CRT and its pins.

Figure 1. The filament, cathode, grids and anode of the 3RP1 cathode ray tube.