Science of JJ Thomson's Experiment

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  1. mass spectrograph
    a mass spectrometer that produces a graphical representation of the mass spectrum
    Here his techniques led to the development of the mass spectrograph.
  2. spectrograph
    a spectroscope by which spectra can be photographed
    Here his techniques led to the development of the mass spectrograph.
  3. Ernest Rutherford
    British physicist (born in New Zealand) who discovered the atomic nucleus and proposed a nuclear model of the atom (1871-1937)
    His efforts to estimate the number of electrons in an atom from measurements of the scattering of light, X, beta, and gamma rays initiated the research trajectory along which his student Ernest Rutherford moved.
  4. cathode-ray tube
    a vacuum tube in which a hot cathode emits a beam of electrons that pass through a high voltage anode and are focused or deflected before hitting a phosphorescent screen
    In 1897 the British physicist Joseph John (J. J.) Thomson (1856–1940) discovered the electron in a series of experiments designed to study the nature of electric discharge in a high-vacuum cathode-ray tube, an area being investigated by numerous scientists at the time.
  5. quantum theory
    (physics) a physical theory that certain properties occur only in discrete amounts (quanta)
    His nonmathematical atomic theory—unlike early quantum theory—could also be used to account for chemical bonding and molecular structure.
  6. atomic theory
    a theory of the structure of the atom
    His nonmathematical atomic theory—unlike early quantum theory—could also be used to account for chemical bonding and molecular structure.
  7. gamma ray
    electromagnetic radiation emitted during radioactive decay and having an extremely short wavelength
    His efforts to estimate the number of electrons in an atom from measurements of the scattering of light, X, beta, and gamma rays initiated the research trajectory along which his student Ernest Rutherford moved.
  8. atomic weight
    (chemistry) the mass of an atom of a chemical element expressed in atomic mass units
    His assistant, Francis Aston, developed Thomson's instrument further and with the improved version was able to discover isotopes—atoms of the same element with different atomic weights—in a large number of nonradioactive elements.
  9. cathode
    a negatively charged electrode that is the source of electrons entering an electrical device
    In 1897 the British physicist Joseph John (J. J.) Thomson (1856–1940) discovered the electron in a series of experiments designed to study the nature of electric discharge in a high-vacuum cathode-ray tube, an area being investigated by numerous scientists at the time.
  10. bonding
    the act of fastening firmly together
    His nonmathematical atomic theory—unlike early quantum theory—could also be used to account for chemical bonding and molecular structure.
  11. isotope
    atom with same atomic number, different number of neutrons
    His assistant, Francis Aston, developed Thomson's instrument further and with the improved version was able to discover isotopes—atoms of the same element with different atomic weights—in a large number of nonradioactive elements.
  12. atom
    the smallest component of an element
    Thomson interpreted the deflection of the rays by electrically charged plates and magnets as evidence of "bodies much smaller than atoms" that he calculated as having a very large value for the charge-to-mass ratio.
  13. diagnose
    subject to a medical analysis
    Even though he was clumsy with his hands, he had a genius for designing apparatus and diagnosing its problems.
  14. experimental
    of the nature of or undergoing a trial
    Thomson's last important experimental program focused on determining the nature of positively charged particles.
  15. beta
    the second letter of the Greek alphabet
    His efforts to estimate the number of electrons in an atom from measurements of the scattering of light, X, beta, and gamma rays initiated the research trajectory along which his student Ernest Rutherford moved.
  16. gamma
    the 3rd letter of the Greek alphabet
    His efforts to estimate the number of electrons in an atom from measurements of the scattering of light, X, beta, and gamma rays initiated the research trajectory along which his student Ernest Rutherford moved.
  17. Nobel
    Swedish chemist remembered for his invention of dynamite and for the bequest that created the Nobel prizes (1833-1896)
    Thomson received various honors, including the Nobel Prize in physics in 1906 and a knighthood in 1908.
  18. quantum
    the smallest discrete quantity of some physical property
    His nonmathematical atomic theory—unlike early quantum theory—could also be used to account for chemical bonding and molecular structure.
  19. atomic
    relating to the smallest component of an element
    His assistant, Francis Aston, developed Thomson's instrument further and with the improved version was able to discover isotopes—atoms of the same element with different atomic weights—in a large number of nonradioactive elements.
  20. particle
    (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
    Thomson's last important experimental program focused on determining the nature of positively charged particles.
  21. element
    a substance that cannot be separated into simpler substances
    His assistant, Francis Aston, developed Thomson's instrument further and with the improved version was able to discover isotopes—atoms of the same element with different atomic weights—in a large number of nonradioactive elements.
  22. theory
    a belief that can guide behavior
    His nonmathematical atomic theory—unlike early quantum theory—could also be used to account for chemical bonding and molecular structure.
  23. analysis
    abstract separation of something into its various parts
    In 1913 Thomson published an influential monograph urging chemists to use the mass spectrograph in their analyses.
Created on Wed Mar 02 16:36:44 EST 2011

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