Electrons
Or the Nature and Properties of Negative Electricity

A state-of-the-art discussion of the first subatomic particles, published in 1906, just nine years after their discovery.

Oliver Lodge (Author)

9781108052146, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 July 2012

252 pages, 26 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.5 cm, 0.33 kg

The discovery in 1897 of the electron, the first subatomic particle, led to rapid advances in our knowledge of atomic structure, the solid state, radioactivity and chemistry. It also raised major questions. Was the electron point-like or did it have structure? Was there a positive electron? What did the positive part of the atom look like? Did a hydrogen atom have one electron or a thousand? Published in 1906, this expository account by leading physicist Sir Oliver Lodge (1851–1940) examines the spectacular phenomena of cathode rays in evacuated tubes, the fixed units of charge observed in electrolysis, and the puzzling regularities in atomic spectra. Lodge knew most of the pioneers in the field, and his enthusiastic descriptions of their work and clear analyses of the problems as well as successes paint a vivid picture of the excitement of cutting-edge research and the scientific process in action.

1. Properties on an electric charge
2. Electric inertia
3. Foreshadowing of the atom or indivisible unit of electricity
4. Foreshadowing of the electron
5. Determination of speed and electrochemical equivalent of cathode rays
6. Determination of electrochemical equivalent in the case of electric leakage in ultra-violet light
7. Ionisation of gases
8. Determination of the mass of an electron
9. Further details concerning electrons and ions
10. The electron theory of conduction and of radiation
11. Further discussion of the electron theory of the magnetisation of light and determination of the m/e ratio in radiation
12. Increase of inertia due to very rapid motion
13. Justification for electric theory of inertia
14. More advanced development of the combined electric and magnetic deflexion method for measuring velocity and mass of the particles in compound rays
15. Electric view of matter
16. Electric view of matter (continued)
17. Further considerations regarding the structure of an atom
18. Summary of other consequences of electron theory
19. Radiation from a ring of electrons, and its bearing on the constitution of an atom
20. Difficulties connected with the electric theory of matter
21. Validity of old views of electrical phenomena
Appendices.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]