J.J. Thomson is best known for his discovery of the electron and his work in the field of atomic physics. One of the key pieces of equipment he used was the cathode ray tube (CRT). This device allowed him to experiment with cathode rays, which are streams of charged particles.
The cathode ray tube consists of a vacuum glass tube with electrodes at either end. When a high voltage is applied, a beam of electrons is emitted from the cathode (negative electrode) and travels towards the anode (positive electrode). Thomson used this setup to investigate the nature of these particles.
In his experiments, he applied electric and magnetic fields to the cathode rays, which enabled him to measure their charge-to-mass ratio. This was crucial in leading to the conclusion that these rays were composed of very small, negatively charged particles – which he later named electrons.
Thomson’s work with the CRT not only revealed the existence of the electron but also paved the way for the development of modern atomic theory. The technology that emerged from his research laid the foundations for future scientific advancements in both physics and chemistry.