Who discovered the electron?

Who discovered the electron?

• A. Niels Bohr
• B. Albert Einstein
• C. J.J. Thomson
• D. Ernest Rutherford

Answer: (C)

The discovery of the electron is attributed to J.J. Thomson, a groundbreaking physicist who conducted experiments with cathode rays in the late 19th century. By using a cathode ray tube, Thomson was able to demonstrate that these rays were composed of negatively charged particles, which he called "corpuscles." This finding was pivotal because it showed that atoms are not indivisible as previously thought, but rather contain smaller components. Through his experiments, Thomson measured the charge-to-mass ratio of these particles and established their fundamental properties. This work laid the foundation for the development of modern atomic theory and our understanding of atomic structure. Thomson’s contributions were so significant that he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1906 for his work on cathode rays, which ultimately led to the identification of the electron as a fundamental particle within atoms.

The discovery of the electron is attributed to J.J. Thomson, a groundbreaking physicist who conducted experiments with cathode rays in the late 19th century. By using a cathode ray tube, Thomson was able to demonstrate that these rays were composed of negatively charged particles, which he called "corpuscles." This finding was pivotal because it showed that atoms are not indivisible as previously thought, but rather contain smaller components.

Through his experiments, Thomson measured the charge-to-mass ratio of these particles and established their fundamental properties. This work laid the foundation for the development of modern atomic theory and our understanding of atomic structure. Thomson’s contributions were so significant that he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1906 for his work on cathode rays, which ultimately led to the identification of the electron as a fundamental particle within atoms.