How Was the Mass of the Electron First Measured?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the historical methods used to measure the mass of the electron, including references to key experiments and concepts in physics and chemistry. Participants explore the relationship between charge and mass measurements and express confusion regarding the topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests information on how the mass of the electron was first measured.
  • Another suggests looking into the Millikan Oil Drop experiment, which is primarily associated with measuring charge.
  • A participant clarifies that J.J. Thomson found the mass-to-charge ratio of the electron in 1897.
  • It is noted that Millikan's work allowed for the deduction of mass from the charge measurement.
  • Some participants express confusion about whether the electron was actually "weighed" in a traditional sense.
  • One participant mentions the use of a mass spectrometer as a method for measuring mass.
  • Another participant shares links to resources explaining how mass spectrometry works.
  • There is a reiteration that the Oil Drop Experiment is focused on charge rather than mass.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the electron was directly weighed and the role of various experiments in determining its mass. There is no consensus on a singular method or understanding of the historical context.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference multiple experiments and concepts, but there is ambiguity regarding the direct measurement of mass versus the derivation of mass from charge measurements. Some assumptions about the relationship between mass and charge are not fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students studying physics or chemistry, particularly those looking for historical context on measurements of fundamental particles.

Justryingtopasschem
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Could anyone on here tell me how the electron was first weighed. Like how did they find the mass of the electron? Please I need to know!
 
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Justryingtopasschem said:
Could anyone on here tell me how the electron was first weighed. Like how did they find the mass of the electron? Please I need to know!

Try looking for the Millikan Oil Drop experiment.

Zz.
 
okay..but will that help me.. i know he foudn out the charge with that...but the mass?
 
No,no,he found the mass.The mass/charge ratio had been found by J.J.Thomson in 1897...:wink:

Daniel.
 
And one moe thing,i know you're just trying to pass chemistry,but please do not double post/address the same question in different threads...

Unless you like seing double...:-p

Daniel.
 
Thomson found e/m.
Millikan found e.
From the two measurements, m was deduced by division.
 
so they never really weighed it...
 
Yes,they did,it's called MASS SPECTROMETER...:wink:

Daniel.
 
omg I am so confused with this chem stuff...my teach told me to find out how they weighed the electron and proton for Xtra credit and nothing is coming up on google
 
  • #11
yeah we just learned about the oil drop experiment..that's only bout the charge isn't it
 

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