Which Gas Was Used in J.J. Thomson's Cathode Ray Experiment?

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In the cathode ray experiments conducted by J.J. Thomson and Sir William, a voltage of approximately 15k-20k V and a pressure of less than 0.1 mm of Hg were utilized. Various gases were tested in cathode ray tubes during that period, but it is suggested that air was likely the gas used due to the evacuated nature of the tube. The discussion also touches on the dual nature of cathode rays, highlighting their classification as both waves and particles based on their properties. The historical context of these experiments is referenced through a link to the American Institute of Physics. The exploration of cathode rays continues to be a significant topic in understanding their behavior.
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Which gas is used in cathode ray experiment by J.J. Thomson & Sir William?

The voltage they used was about: 15k-20k V
The pressure they used: < 0.1mm of Hg
The gas they used: ?
 
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Apparently different gases were tried in cathode ray tubes at the time.

However based on the fact that Thompson used an evacuated tube (0.1 mmHg vs 1 atmosphere or 760 mmHg), the I would expect the gas was air.

http://www.aip.org/history/electron/jj1897.htm
 
Astronuc said:
Apparently different gases were tried in cathode ray tubes at the time.

However based on the fact that Thompson used an evacuated tube (0.1 mmHg vs 1 atmosphere or 760 mmHg), the I would expect the gas was air.

http://www.aip.org/history/electron/jj1897.htm

What a coincidence, I'm on that site too searching for a brief outline of the debate on whether cathode rays are waves or particles (both are correct) and the properties which they exhibit categorized them as either waves or particles.
 
So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks

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