Millikan's Experiment: Observing Vibrating Oil Droplets

In summary, the conversation discusses Milikan's experiment and the observation of oil droplets through a microscope. The droplets are seen to vibrate, which is believed to be Brownian motion. The original Milikan experiment involved many measurements to reduce the effects of Brownian motion. The participants also discuss the possibility of this being the Brownian effect and reference the oil drop experiment.
  • #1
Jorge Jr
2
0
Hello. In Milikan's experiment, as we observe the oil droplets through the microscope, during the measurement of the speed of fall and rise.
we can see that the oil droplets are "vibrating".
Why does it happen?
Sorry for my bad English.
 
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  • #3
The original Milikan experiment involved hundreds of measurements in order to reduce the consequence of the effect that you were observing (amongst all the others). He is one of my heroes because of that sort of dedication.
 
  • #4
Is such an effect the Brownian effect?
 

Related to Millikan's Experiment: Observing Vibrating Oil Droplets

What is Millikan's Experiment?

Millikan's Experiment, also known as the Oil Drop Experiment, was conducted by physicist Robert Millikan in 1909 to determine the fundamental unit of electrical charge, now known as the electron's charge.

How was the experiment conducted?

The experiment involved observing the motion of tiny oil droplets suspended in an electrically charged chamber. The droplets were charged by X-rays, and then their motion was measured and analyzed to determine the charge of each droplet.

What were the results of the experiment?

Millikan's experiment successfully measured the charge of each droplet and found that they were all multiples of a single, fundamental unit of charge. This fundamental unit was later identified as the charge of a single electron.

Why was this experiment significant?

Millikan's Experiment provided the first direct measurement of the charge of an electron, which was a major contribution to our understanding of atomic and subatomic particles. It also helped to solidify the theory of quantized charge and paved the way for further advancements in the field of particle physics.

What is the relevance of this experiment today?

Millikan's Experiment remains an important milestone in the history of physics and is still referenced and studied in modern scientific research. The principles and techniques used in the experiment are also applied in various fields such as aerosol science, nanotechnology, and surface chemistry.

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