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James12345678
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I don't know much about particle physics, but out of curiosity I was wondering what would happen if a stream of electrons hit a conductor, say copper plating, an would it be detectible?
As mfb hinted at, it depends what energy your electrons have, for high energy electrons you will get X-ray emission from the sample as in a conventional X-ray tube.James12345678 said:I don't know much about particle physics, but out of curiosity I was wondering what would happen if a stream of electrons hit a conductor, say copper plating, an would it be detectible?
When a stream of electrons hits a conductor, the electrons will transfer their kinetic energy to the atoms in the conductor, causing the atoms to vibrate and generate heat. This heat can be dissipated through the conductor, causing a temperature increase.
The purpose of a conductor is to allow the flow of electric current. Conductors have a high number of free electrons that are able to move freely through the material, making it easier for electricity to pass through them.
Conductors and insulators differ in their ability to conduct electricity. Conductors have a high number of free electrons that are able to move freely through the material, while insulators have very few free electrons, making it difficult for electricity to pass through them.
The conductivity of a conductor can be affected by its material composition, temperature, and dimensions. Materials with a high number of free electrons, such as metals, have a higher conductivity. Higher temperatures can also decrease the conductivity of a material. The dimensions of a conductor can also affect its conductivity, with thicker and shorter conductors having a lower resistance and higher conductivity.
Yes, a conductor can become an insulator under certain conditions. One way this can happen is by decreasing the temperature of the conductor, which can cause the atoms to become more tightly bound and restrict the movement of free electrons. Another way is by introducing impurities or defects into the conductor, which can disrupt the flow of electrons and decrease its conductivity.