Final answer:
J.J. Thomson's experiment involved the motion of an electron beam in perpendicular electric and magnetic fields to determine the mass-to-charge ratio for the electron. Thomson's experiment demonstrated that electrons are fundamental components of all atoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The experiment conducted by J.J. Thomson involved the motion of an electron beam in perpendicular electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields to determine the mass-to-charge ratio for the electron. By measuring the extent of deflection of the electron beam in different field strengths, Thomson was able to calculate the mass-to-charge ratio. This experiment demonstrated that cathode rays consisted of charged particles, now known as electrons, which are fundamental components of all atoms.