Electrons

Introduction

In 1897 a scientist named J. J. Thomson did some experiments which led him to discover the electron. This discovery has been very important in the understanding of what atoms are like and the development of the ‘atomic theory’.

Your tasks

You are required to use the Internet to find information which will help you to answer the following questions. You must use your own words and write in sentences.

Write a paragraph outlining the life and times of J.J. Thomson.
Write a paragraph describing what experiments were done which led to the discovery of the electron.
Copy and print a sketch of the apparatus which was used by J.J. Thomson to do some of these experiments which led to the discovery of the electron.
Who actually named the electron?
What did Thomson actually call it?
The electron was thought to be ‘fundamental particle’. What does this mean?
What was the plum-pudding model as proposed by J.J. Thomson?

Resources

You will find that the following sites will be useful but you may need to find others:

http://dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/AtomicStructure/Disc-of-Electron-Intro.html

http://www.aip.org/history/electron/

Your report

You should present your report by neatly writing your answers. If you wish you may use a word processing package to help display your information.

Your teacher will explain how your work will be assessed and when your report is due.

Marks Due Date