(i) They are the streams of positive ions of the gas enclosed in the discharge tube. The mass of each ion is nearly equal to the mass of the atom.
(ii) They are deflected by electric and magnetic fields. Their deflection is opposite to that of cathode rays.
(iii) They travel in straight lines.
(iv) The velocity of canal rays is much smaller than the velocity of cathode rays.
(v) They affect photographic plates.
(vi) These rays can produce fluorescence.
(vii) They ionize the gas through which they pass.
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