Experiment Proving Electrons Have Same Mass & Charge

In summary, the Thomson experiment and the Millikan oil drop experiment both confirmed that electrons have the same mass and charge. While there may have been other experiments, none were able to independently measure the mass of the electron. However, the consistency of results in experiments involving rest and relativistic energies further support this conclusion.
  • #1
yoseeta
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Which experiment describes that electrons have same mass and same charge?
 
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  • #2
yoseeta said:
Which experiment describes that electrons have same mass and same charge?

Welcome to Physics Forums.

The Thomson experiment measured the mass to charge ratio of the electron. The Millikan oil drop experiment measured the charge, and therefor the mass. Thinking through what I recall of the analyses of both experiments, it might be possible that they would miss electrons coming in masses and charges of me and e, or 2me and 2e, etc.

Beyond that, I cannot name other experiments. One that measured the mass independently of the charge would clinch it. If there were none done by the time quantum mechanics was being worked out, any variation in mass would surely have come out in all the experimentation and calculation involving rest and relativistic energies of electrons.
 
  • #3
Great! thanks :)
 

1. What is the purpose of conducting an experiment to prove that electrons have the same mass and charge?

The purpose of this experiment is to gather evidence and support the existing scientific understanding that electrons have the same mass and charge. This is a fundamental concept in physics and has many important applications in technology and everyday life.

2. How is the mass of an electron measured in this experiment?

In this experiment, the mass of an electron is measured using a device called a mass spectrometer. This device uses magnetic and electric fields to determine the mass-to-charge ratio of particles, including electrons.

3. What is the significance of proving that electrons have the same mass and charge?

The significance of this experiment lies in the confirmation of a fundamental principle in physics, known as the conservation of charge. This principle states that the total charge in a closed system must remain constant, and the experiment proves that electrons follow this principle.

4. How is the charge of an electron measured in this experiment?

The charge of an electron is measured using a tool called an electron charge balance. This instrument uses the force of an electric field on an electron to determine its charge. By comparing this force to the weight of the electron, the charge can be calculated.

5. What other evidence supports the idea that electrons have the same mass and charge?

Aside from this experiment, there is overwhelming evidence from various other experiments and calculations that support the idea that electrons have the same mass and charge. This includes studies on electrical current, electromagnetic radiation, and atomic structure.

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