Experiment Proving Electrons Have Same Mass & Charge

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SUMMARY

The Thomson experiment and the Millikan oil drop experiment are pivotal in demonstrating that electrons possess the same mass and charge. The Thomson experiment determined the mass-to-charge ratio of electrons, while the Millikan oil drop experiment accurately measured the charge of the electron, allowing for the calculation of its mass. These experiments collectively affirm the consistency of electron properties, which are fundamental to modern physics. No additional experiments have been identified that independently measure electron mass without considering charge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Thomson experiment and its significance in measuring mass-to-charge ratios.
  • Familiarity with the Millikan oil drop experiment and its methodology for measuring electric charge.
  • Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and its implications on particle physics.
  • Concepts of relativistic energy as it pertains to electrons.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the detailed methodology of the Thomson experiment and its implications on electron properties.
  • Study the Millikan oil drop experiment in depth, focusing on its experimental setup and results.
  • Explore additional experiments that measure fundamental particle properties, such as the charge-to-mass ratio of other subatomic particles.
  • Investigate the role of quantum mechanics in understanding particle behavior and properties.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators, and researchers interested in the foundational experiments that define the properties of electrons and their implications in the field of particle physics.

yoseeta
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Which experiment describes that electrons have same mass and same charge?
 
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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.
 
Great! thanks :)
 

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