J.J Thomson's determination of of the ratio m/e

In summary, Thomson used an electric field of intensity E and a magnetic field of intensity H to determine the ratio of mass to charge of an electron. The equations employed were m[d2x/dt2) + He(dy/dt) , m[d2y/dt2) - He(dx/dt) = 0. By setting initial conditions of x=y=dx/dt=dy/dt=0 for t=0, the resulting path is a cycloid with parametric equations x = {Em/H2e}(1 - cos([He/m]t)), y = {Em/H2e}([He/m]t - sin([He/m]t)). To solve for \SigmaFx and \SigmaFy
  • #1
nddewaters
6
0
In Thomson's experimental determination of the ratio m/e of the mass to the charge of an electron, in which the electrons were subjected to an electric field of intensity E and a magnetic field of intensity H, the equations

m[d2x/dt2) + He(dy/dt) , m[d2y/dt2) - He(dx/dt) = 0 ,

were employed. If x=y=dx/dt=dy/dt=0 for t=0, show that the path is a cycloid whose parametric equations are:

x = {Em/H2e}(1 - cos([He/m]t))
y = {Em/H2e}([He/m]t - sin([He/m]t))

Good Luck.
 
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  • #2
find [tex]\Sigma[/tex]Fx [tex]\Sigma[/tex]Fy in terms of E,H,e etc.
[tex]\Sigma[/tex]Fx = md2x/dt2
[tex]\Sigma[/tex]Fy = md2y/dt2
and solve the differential equations.
 

Related to J.J Thomson's determination of of the ratio m/e

What is J.J Thomson's determination of the ratio m/e?

J.J Thomson's determination of the ratio m/e is an experiment conducted in 1897 by physicist J.J Thomson to measure the ratio of an electron's mass (m) to its charge (e).

Why was J.J Thomson's determination of the ratio m/e important?

This experiment was important because it provided evidence that atoms were made up of smaller, negatively charged particles (electrons) and that these particles had a much smaller mass compared to the overall mass of the atom.

How did J.J Thomson determine the ratio m/e?

J.J Thomson used a cathode ray tube to observe the deflection of electrically charged particles in a magnetic field. By varying the strength of the magnetic field and measuring the amount of deflection, he was able to calculate the ratio of m/e.

What was the significance of J.J Thomson's calculated value for the ratio m/e?

J.J Thomson's calculated value for the ratio m/e was the first experimental evidence that electrons had a smaller mass compared to the overall mass of the atom. This was a major breakthrough in understanding the basic structure of atoms.

How did J.J Thomson's determination of the ratio m/e impact the field of science?

J.J Thomson's experiment played a crucial role in the development of the atomic model and led to further discoveries about the structure of atoms. It also paved the way for future experiments and advancements in the field of particle physics.

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