what does "degauss" do to a monitor?

Question

i saw in my new monitor's menu, the option degauss... when i select it, it makes my image go funny for some moments... what does it do really?

Answer 1

Basically as everyone suggests it is to do with magnetism. when electrical items are operated they generate electrical fields that in turn have magnetic fields. the same can be said for fixed magnets. These fields bend the "beams" within the CRT and illuminate the wrong phosphors. such a phenomenon Displays as a purple pink (usually) or red patch on the screen. The degauss coil you operate when you push the button generates a small localized magnetic field of its own which slowly dissipates as electrons through the components within the circuit thus restoring the CRT's normal magnetic field, resulting in the proper phosphors within the CRT being excited rectifying colour problems on the display

Answer 2

There's a metal plate inside a picture tube called a "shadow mask" which helps focus the electrons as they approach the screen. Sometimes the shadow mask takes on an electric charge. For example, I once put an old monitor right under the speaker in my trunk and drove around with the music was playing. These charges on the shadow mask can effect the path the electrons take, resulting in a distorted picture.

Modern monitors have a "degaussing coil" built in, which is wrapped around the screen. When you "degauss" the monitor, this coil creates an oscillating magnetic field that leaves the magnetic properties of the shadow mask all scrambled. No part of it has a strong enough magnetic field to distort the image anymore.

Answer 3

It repaired the damage my son did by putting a magnet too close to the monitor screen.