Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A cathode-ray tube is a vacuum tube that uses an electron beam to create images on a fluorescent screen. It consists of an electron gun, deflection plates, and a phosphorescent screen.
Related terms
Electron Gun: A device in a cathode-ray tube that emits electrons.
Deflection Plates: Electrodes in a cathode-ray tube that control the path of the electron beam.
Phosphorescent Screen: A coated surface in a cathode-ray tube that emits light when struck by electrons.