Who Discovered Quantisation of Charge?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The quantisation of charge was first suggested by J.J. Thomson and further supported by his contemporaries. Robert Millikan later conducted experiments that confirmed the quantised nature of the electron's charge. Millikan's work, particularly his oil drop experiment, provided definitive evidence for the existence of quantised charge, building on the theoretical groundwork laid by Thomson and others.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of J.J. Thomson's contributions to atomic theory
  • Familiarity with Robert Millikan's oil drop experiment
  • Basic knowledge of the concept of electric charge
  • Awareness of historical context in early 20th-century physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research J.J. Thomson's experiments and theories on atomic structure
  • Study Robert Millikan's oil drop experiment in detail
  • Explore the implications of quantised charge in modern physics
  • Investigate the historical development of quantum theory
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators, and anyone interested in the historical development of quantum mechanics and the foundational experiments that shaped modern understanding of atomic structure.

Jippo
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Friends,

I am trying to ascertain who first postulated that the electron had a charge that was quantised.

I know all about Millikan's experiment. It's fairly clear he knew what he was looking for but I want to know basically who told Millikan.

It's for a simple backround piece for a Laborotory Report

Cheers if ye can help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Apologies,

It appears that sustained work by Thompson et al, suggested that charge may be quantised but that Millikan had demonstrated it indeed.

Cheers.
 

Similar threads

Calculating Charge of an Electron w/ the Millikan Oil Drop Experiment
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Graduate Photon Emission from electrons and the EM field
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Self charging keyboard - Is it possible or just funny?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
7K
Intro Physics What Book Helps Understand Electromagnetism and Quantum Physics Concepts?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Undergrad Can Ockham’s razor be used to make quick qualitative predictions?
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
Studying My thesis supervisor resigned....
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Other Why am I being penalized for learning more in my education?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Is a Prof Failing 3/4 of the Senior Year Physics Class Normal? (Stat Phy)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
559
Electric circuitry, confusion about the electric charge
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Determining charges and current distributions
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K