Question

How did Thomson measure the charge to mass ratio of the electron? a.He shot helium nuclei into gold foil to measure the nuclei scattering against electrons within. b.He passed cathode rays through a magnetic field and measured the deflection. c.He suspended a drop of oil between electrodes to measure the electric field from the electrons. d. He measured very precisely a known quantity of hydrogen atoms and calculated the reduced mass ratio within each atom.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option b. "He passed cathode rays through a magnetic field and measured the deflection".

Step-by-step explanation:

J. J. Thomson was a notorious scientist that did not only made the discovery of the electron, but he measure its charge to mass ratio. In order to determine this property, Thomson passed cathode rays through a magnetic field and measured the deflection. Cathode rays are actually composed of particles, which are now known as electrons, and its charge to mass ratio is about 10^8 coulomb per gram.