Purpose:

The purpose of this Skills Setting is give you an opportunity to show how you can apply much of what we have discussed and explored in the context of electrostatics and circuits to a piece of equipment that uses those concepts.

Do Physics!!

In this particular setting you will explore the engineering and physics behind an electron gun. Electron guns are part of many science experiments like the particle accelerator at CERN but also used to be common around the household because they were integral to the function of televisions and computer monitors before the days of flat screens. They are still used in some electronic equipment.

i) Watch the video at the bottom of this page (taking notes of course) and then consider how you can demonstrate your understanding of electrostatics and circuits as you explore what the host, Ben Krasnow, has said.

ii) For each portion of the electron gun illustrate your thinking about charge distributions, potential differences, E fields, forces on the electrons, speeds and directions of the electrons, and any other thoughts you have about how the electron gun works. You may want to read a little about thermionic emission or the particular beam lensing system discussed but don't get hung up on these details. Show me you can apply your knowledge.

iii) Time Limit: Most of you would probably spend 8 - 16 hrs studying for a traditional final and while I'm tempted to see what you can do if you spend that much time on it I am going to limit your effort to 4-6 hrs not counting time you spend watching other peoples videos.

iv) Self Reflection: When you have completed your explanation of the electron gun I would like you to take 15 min to describe what you found most challenging to explain and what you feel most confident to explain to another human being.

v) Turn into assignment on Bb (probably in the tab for the last week of the term).

 

Here's the video:

Just as a node of thanks to Ben Krasnow for doing this work here is his trailer for his Applied Science channel. He is also supported via Patreon if you are ever in a position to show some love.