Question:medium

Choose the incorrect statement regarding Cathode rays:

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Cathode rays are streams of fast-moving electrons, not electromagnetic waves. They travel in straight lines unless influenced by electric or magnetic fields.
Updated On: Jul 14, 2026
  • Cathode rays produce X-rays
  • Cathode rays are electromagnetic waves
  • Cathode rays travel in a straight route
  • Cathode rays are fast electrons
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cathode rays are a stream of electrons emitted from the cathode of a vacuum discharge tube. The question wants the one statement about their nature that does not hold up.

Step 2: Key Fact:
Because cathode rays carry mass and negative charge, they respond to electric and magnetic fields the way charged particles do, unlike a true electromagnetic wave such as light, which has no mass or charge. This particle behavior is what separates cathode rays from an electromagnetic wave.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Cathode rays do produce X-rays when they strike a target, since their kinetic energy converts to radiation on sudden deceleration.
Cathode rays do travel in straight lines when no external field acts on them.
Cathode rays are indeed fast moving electrons accelerated in the tube.
Only the claim that they are electromagnetic waves goes against their known particle nature.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The incorrect statement is that cathode rays are electromagnetic waves.
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