Exploring Thomson's Charge to Mass Ratio: Implications for Cathode Rays

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Thomson's experiments demonstrated that the charge-to-mass ratio of cathode rays remained constant regardless of the cathode material or tube contents. This consistency raises questions about the relationship between charge and mass, which are fundamentally different properties. The discussion highlights that ratios can exist between disparate quantities, similar to how speed relates length to time or density relates mass to volume. The concept of ratios is essential in physics, even when comparing different types of measurements. Understanding these ratios is crucial for grasping the implications of Thomson's findings in the context of cathode rays.
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HowStuffWorks: Atoms said:
By applying an electric field alone, a magnetic field alone, or both in combination, Thomson could measure the ratio of the electric charge to the mass of the cathode rays.
He found the same charge to mass ratio of cathode rays was seen regardless of what material was inside the tube or what the cathode was made of.

Charge and mass are two completely different things, how can you have the same ratio of the two? :rolleyes:
 
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linux kid said:
Charge and mass are two completely different things, how can you have the same ratio of the two? :rolleyes:

the ratio is not a dimensionless number (unless you're using Natural units such as Planck units and then the measure of anything is actually a dimensionless number).

when one considers the concept of speed, it's a ratio of length to time, likewise two completely different things. or density, a ratio of mass to volume, again two completely different kinds of quantity.
 

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