Final answer:
The Millikan experiment confirmed that the charges of the drops were small integer multiples of the electron charge. By balancing forces, Millikan calculated the charge and mass of an electron. This experiment provided an accurate measurement of the charge of electrons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Millikan experiment confirmed that the charges of the drops were all small integer multiples of the base value, which is the electron charge. The charge of a single electron is 1.6 × 10-19 C. Millikan used the charge data he gathered to conclude that this value must be a fundamental charge, and that the charges on the drops were due to an excess or a deficit of electrons.
By balancing the gravitational force on the ionized oil droplets with an electric force, Millikan was able to calculate the charge on a single electron. This led to the determination of the charge-to-mass ratio and the mass of an electron.
The Millikan experiment provided an accurate measurement of the charge of electrons, establishing it as one of the most fundamental constants in nature.