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.
 
I do not have a good working knowledge of physics yet. I tried to piece this together but after researching this, I couldn’t figure out the correct laws of physics to combine to develop a formula to answer this question. Ex. 1 - A moving object impacts a static object at a constant velocity. Ex. 2 - A moving object impacts a static object at the same velocity but is accelerating at the moment of impact. Assuming the mass of the objects is the same and the velocity at the moment of impact...

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