Discovery of Sub-Atomic Particles - The Electron

Vocabulary flashcards covering the discovery of sub-atomic particles, specifically the electron and cathode ray tube experiments.

Basic Rule of Charged Particles

The fundamental rule stating that like charges repel each other and unlike charges attract each other.

Michael Faraday's 1830 Experiment

An experiment demonstrating that passing electricity through an electrolyte solution produces chemical reactions at the electrodes, suggesting the particulate nature of electricity.

Cathode Ray Discharge Tube

A sealed glass tube containing two metal electrodes used to study electrical discharge through gases at low pressure and high voltage.

Electrodes

Two thin pieces of metal sealed inside a cathode ray tube through which electrical voltage is applied.

Cathode

The negative electrode in a cathode ray discharge tube from which cathode rays originate.

Anode

The positive electrode in a cathode ray discharge tube toward which cathode rays travel.

Cathode Rays

Streams of negatively charged particles that originate at the cathode and move toward the anode inside a discharge tube.

Zinc Sulphide Coating

A phosphorescent material applied behind a perforated anode that glows and produces a bright spot when hit by cathode rays.

Electrons

Negatively charged sub-atomic particles that constitute cathode rays, whose characteristics are independent of the electrode material and gas nature inside the tube.