JJ Thomson Cathode Ray Tube Experiment: the Discovery of the Electron

In 1897, JJ Thomson discovered the electron in his famous cathode ray tube experiment. How did it work and why did Thomson do the experiment in the first place? Watch the video and find out!
As usual a big thank you to the fabulous Kim Nalley for her background music and her version of Schoolhouse Rock's "Electricity, Electricity" for my intro song.

[@XB10001]

5:37 ... that's not even close to 1/3 of the speed of light. Did you mean per second?

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Yes I did. Slip of the tongue

[@XB10001]

@@Kathy_Loves_Physics :-) ... you can edit the video and overlap some text with the correction. That's common practice. Something like "* Per second" that's easily readable.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

I actually can’t. I tried with another video and it was impossible I can only edit it and reload it in which case I lose all my views which I think is not worth it for a little slip of the tongue.

[@XB10001]

@@Kathy_Loves_Physics oh, that's a shame. Anyway, clarify in the description perhaps.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Good idea. Will do

[@douglasstrother6584]

"Electromagnetic Fields and Waves" by Lorrain & Corson (2nd Edition) contains a problem in chapter 2 "Electrostatic Fields in a Vacuum" (2-19) on J.J. Thomson's "Plum Pudding" model of the atom. It asks to (A) find the force on an electron; (B) describe its motion; (C) the frequency for a 1 Angstrom-sized atom; and (D) compare this frequency to that of visible light. A rather thought-provoking question in an Undergraduate E&M textbook!

[@nhack5504]

I'm a retired engineer and have found your videos most interesting. I've learned many bits of background I had not learned back in school. I particularly like the progression of science that your videos provide. Nicely done!

[@edcooper5841]

Kathy makes science and history come alive. I would loved to have been in her classes.

[@rumlia]

I have only one thing to say: your explanations and expressions are wonderful. Thanks for making me curious to learn when I have crossed 60 yrs of life. Cheers!

[@shawnmulberry774]

With all due respect to JJ Thomson, I'm just glad we ultimately choose electrons over corpuscles.

[@2lefThumbs]

Corpuscle is ok, "corpsjcle" sounds like a zombie treat"

[@physicsAmbler]

And even better than “corpsucles”!

[@djmips]

Agree? But we should have adopted his current flow direction. XD

[@shawnmulberry774]

@@djmips Absoolutely, current flow is so unnecessarily confusing.

[@lawrencedoliveiro9104]

I thought Newton used the term “corpuscle”, too, only this was for the particles of light.

[@h2energynow]

Find the explanations great, what makes it special is you also go into why, how, and what motivated the inventors. Awesome.

[@GoldFoilDecendent]

Great to hear the history of the discovery of the electron. My last name is Rutherford and as an electrical engineer have found myself drawn to learn more about Lord Rutherford. Enjoyed your video on the works of his Professor.

[@ronkirk5099]

I knew that J.J. Thomson was a trail blazing scientist, but it was very interesting to hear that he mentored so many Nobel laureates. Science history is fascinating. Great video.

[@proudsnowtiger]

I lived and worked in Cambridge for a while, and it was always a thrill to drink in the same pubs where the discoverers of the electron, the structure of DNA and so much more sat and talked. Not to mention that Maxwell started the Cavendish, so it's holy ground indeed. But hey, lay off the humble plum pudding. It's part of every English childhood, and once you've learned to digest it it's actually quite nice.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

proudsnowtiger sorry I shouldn’t insult plum pudding without trying it first!

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

@Cliff Matthews are plum pudding fans "food lovers"?? arg, there I go making fun of plum pudding *again*. I can't seem to help it. :P

[@wiregold8930]

@@Kathy_Loves_Physics make sure you cover it with brandy sauce (syrup) first!

[@joeolejar]

I'm hooked! Yours may be the history channel for electrical nerds.

[@njkauto2394]

I truly couldn't stop laughing at people being tortured with plum pudding. As an antipodean (Australian), I was tortured with plum pudding every Xmas and New Years. Now, as an old man, I actually look forward to it each year. I love your sense of humour, Kathy 🤣

[@annasdad8008]

I just recently found your channel and really enjoy it. I remember duplicating a number of the classic experiments in a physics class back in high school (early 1970s). It was fascinating then and it still is. By the way, I did notice an error. To be going “almost a third of the speed of light” would mean the electrons were traveling 60,000 miles PER SECOND, not per hour.

[@julianramirez4465]

Kathy i love u, glad u came back. Loved the Thompson story.

[@chuckotto7021]

Dear Cathy, You are so wonderful! You possess the vitality and focus to bring dusty sheafs of scientific tracts to LIFE!

[@jamesknapp64]

Gonna have to binge more of your stuff Cathy. As a former Math and Physics double major this feels like all the gaps of why from the books that has been stripped out.

[@jgboyer]

Your videos always make me happy! I love to hear the stories of how it happened and who did what.

[@patrickcleveland8148]

Just compliments… I enjoy listening in. I have spent 50 years in the industrial world and have heard all the names, you so kindly mention. Never understood the stories behind the names. Thank you for your research and sharing with us.

[@chriswalker7081]

These are great videos. The stories behind the discoveries are so interesting and add a real human element. Your presentation style is perfect - keep it up!😁

[@ganesh28787872]

No words to express the thanks to you kathy for such wonderful contribution by bringing the fascinating history of all scientific events with such a simplicity. Thanks a ton

[@videolabguy]

Loved this one, Kathy. Of course I did. My career is constructed on the cathode ray tube and all its derivatives. In fact, I was working on one designed in 1939 today. Most recently, I successfully got pictures out of an authentic Farnsworth image dissector. I love physics and science too! Thanks for your channel. You rock.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

This is funny that you mention a Farnsworth image detector because in 3 to 4 more videos I’m finally (finally) going to do my video on Philo Farnsworth. Hey, maybe we could do a bit of a collaboration. Shoot me an email at KathyLovesPhysics(AT)gmail.com if you are interested.

[@MichelangeloFPV]

Congratulations for your great channel Kathy!!! I love how objectively you portray characters often misunderstood like the great Nikola Tesla. I really appreciate your dedication in researching and sharing all these historical curiosities !!!! This also really helps to realize that these were human beings and sometimes not so brilliant, when trying to explain their findings.....

[@MrQbee87]

Hi. I just discovered your channel... and I LOVE it. It's just so adorable when you use modern vocabulary talking abut historical figures, and the little jokes you put in here and there. I like the fact that the videos have this "amateur look", that shows dedication and geeky passion, and are not full professional and monetization oriented. I'm binge watching your videos right now. Also kudos for your pronunciation of Skłodowska's name.

[@drsjamesserra]

Most elaborate video I have seen including the history. Good work Kathy!

[@SteveRaynerMakes]

I'm subscribed, and now I'm spending all day watching your videos.

[@vectorsigma9903]

These are the best videos ever. Love the history and characters in them. Thank you Kathy!

[@digguscience]

A very impressive view of the thompson experiment

[@yuvrajcharan5387]

For years I have been searching for an video which actually combines pure physics with contemporary history your videos make that reality thank you very much for that. Love from India

[@pipb1426]

Watched all the vids on youtube on this topic for my chem prac. This one was by far the best, you explain things so well! Just amazing.

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Wow! Your Chanel is exactly what I was looking for! The story of the experiments, the conclusions and then contradictions which led to better and better understanding.

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Its from your channel that I get many of my doubts cleared....I'm really happy. You really owe more ....

[@JamesFSmith-cb9lz]

Kathy....you're awesome! Thanks!

[@alastairchestnutt6416]

Love your channel. Interesting and informative. Often watch more than once to grasp all the ideas.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Hope that is a good thing and not a bad thing (watching twice).

[@simonmasters3295]

I love your videos

[@brettselph7591]

Kathy, even if i freeze to death (and become a corpsicle), I'm always gonna love your videos! ❤️

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Aww you turned my mispronunciation into a compliment. Thank you. 😍

[@brettselph7591]

@@Kathy_Loves_Physics Oh no, now i adore you even more! This is very bad for a corpsicle, if i melt 💘

[@Felix-ge4sd]

I rarely comment, but thank you so much for this! This is an interesting, well-illustrated, and very clear video to watch!! You really gave us an insight of what was going on in Thomson's mind, and this is exactly what I needed!

[@iaov]

Love your videos Kathy! Thanks little sister. You rock!!

[@stanallen1072]

Loved the history. Thanks Kathy.!

[@timothym2241]

Thank you for making these videos so interesting and informative.

[@jeffharrison1090]

So interesting to find out that these giants in physics weren't born with a silver spoon in their mouths! Or had intuitive insight at all times. You convey their truly humble beginnings as well as their brilliant observations, their spats, their loves and their humanity (gifts and faults) that we all have! And make it all so entertaining! Thx so much!

[@jeffmills4103]

Thank you for posting and sharing!

[@davidharvey6169]

love it, very cool and fun to learn when you are presenting the information.

[@SabaDhutt]

That was amazing. Comprehensive and to the point. Lady, you deserve a million subscribers. Keep up the good work.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Thank you! 😊

[@joeolejar]

I really enjoy watching your videos a second time when it pops up in my KZbin feed .

[@jeffmills4103]

I enjoy the story behind the discovery; the putting together the various puzzle oieces and other's contributions.

[@MrDsalomon]

In a word, important and elegant (both the video and JJ's work).

[@danielforderer968]

Congrats to Kathy. Your Videos are fun to whatch and listen to.

[@ricardopiasentin5193]

I do love your classes. Thank you very much.

[@bzigelnik]

I cannot find the right superlatives for your videos. I’m going to watch every one of them.

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Wow, just totally amazing...! Love it...

[@warrendargusch5873]

Bravo! An amazing video. Filled in the blanks too!

[@sakshamdixit2759]

I felt an element of authenticity from your communication. Well explained dear.

[@jackd.ripper7613]

I can't believe I was 7 hours late to my favorite KZbin channel. I wish your videos were an hour. The perfect blend of history and science. They leave me wanting to smoke a cigarette afterward and looking forward to more.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Jack D. Ripper and here I was worried that my videos are too long. I always try to make em shorter than 10 min and almost always fail.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Jack, I got a new video out!

[@calvingrondahl1011]

Exciting and informative. Thanks Kathy.

[@SimonSozzi7258]

I really could spend all day watching your videos.

[@factchecker9358]

Another good one. It's great to see the chain of students coming from these labs to help fill out the connections.

[@bearcalw]

Thank you for teaching me an old man wanting to learn about electronics you are such a good teacher

[@nancymisage2574]

Thank you for your videos. With public schools closed due to Coronavirus, your Channel is helping me "teach" the remaining topics to my students in a way that will hopefully spur their interest in both Physics and History.

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Glad to help. If you want to talk (teacher to teacher) feel free to email me (the link is in the About me section). Good luck

[@willyjensen8595]

Wonderful history lesson about the electron, thanks

[@johnpyott4014]

Thanks! That was terrific!

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

So glad you liked it :)

[@parulraizadaschannel-sl8bj]

Very well made videos! Superb content and great presentation!

[@amramjose]

Haliday and Resnick was some 40 years ago for me, thus your videos are a great refresher of the electricity portions of the course. Cheers.

[@bradleybobbs]

It's funny how, at 1:50, CTR Wilson is misspelled as "CRT Wilson", which made me wonder whether his dedication to the Cathode Ray Tube was so great that he named himself after it!

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Ha! Maybe I was unconsciously honoring him.

[@blackshadowofmysoul]

Best channel explaining about electron! Thanks

[@berulan8463]

Thank you for these great videos!

[@shrravanpatankar77]

Amazing!!👏 I can really spend whole day watching videos on your channel..😄

[@enthros5116]

I love Kathy and physics too. Now I grasp Physics a little more, thanks 4 the awesome videos. You Kathy are Marvelous

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Thank you 😊

[@eggroll1up918]

Another great video Kathy.

[@TheRev0]

This video, and these videos in general, reignite my interest in studying electrical engineering

[@predragpejovic611]

Simply, GREAT!!!

[@rubusroo68]

these videos are fantastic!

[@dansmalley5415]

good, clear, and motivating history. Very good presentations. Thanks Greatly appreciated

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Glad you liked it

[@Raphael_NYC]

Love,love,love your videos and they way you do them. Thank you. rapahel nyc

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What an excelent channel. Thanks!

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Amazing channel. Loved your content. And experimental details of setup and pictures. Cover all nobel prizes.

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Great channel, love it.

[@fairnut6418]

9:18 love the quick review on the “dessert”

[@neola1712]

Your videos are fantastic! Spreading knowledge in a world of cheap fast-food entertainment is noble and worthy. Please ignore nah Sayers and negative minds. Best wish!!!

[@ashutoshhiremath4578]

Awesome job

[@yousufnazir8141]

Very essential and helpful lecture for the students of physical sciences

[@noxnc]

Excellent video

[@shawnmulberry774]

7:44 1898 apparently was the year of the mustache.

[@salls877]

This is great, thank you so much!

[@th1ngo]

Bzzzt. Plum pudding (along with hard sauce and fruit cake) is one of the reasons for life! Greetings from a Natural Philosopher in the Antipodes. Love your channel.

[@LucasPinheiroV8]

Excelent video! Thanks!

[@nomann5244]

thanks for your video with this historic accuracy

[@shawnjones4000]

Superb!

[@MegaPraveenk]

Blend of history & science behind .....just great

[@tigranavemian803]

Great, very interesting!

[@jamesdriscoll_tmp1515]

Very well done. It would be cool to get the history of the mass spectrometer like this.

[@rand49er]

I've now watched maybe eight or nine of your videos, and I've enjoyed each and every one of them. They are a mix of history and scientific explanation. I just love it!

[@zack_120]

JJ Thompson makes louder sounds in my mind for his work on electrons, the most famous, active subatomic particles 😁

[@norsagon6215]

I am having so much fun watching your videos

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

I'm so glad!

[@GaryCameron780]

I always enjoy your videos. :)

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I fell in love with this channel 🥰

[@DickHoskins]

Superb video. It is clear that you really know and understand this (and many others) topic. Thanks!

[@darkfox77]

Great video.

[@GojoSaturo-oy3wb]

you explained this sooo well and i thank you for that because i have a test after tomorrow

[@sherakhela4044]

Great knowledge. Thanks

[@sijimathew8888]

Great video!! loved it

[@Kathy_Loves_Physics]

Glad you liked it! I love this story and need to make a better thumbnail I think.

[@krisduboise276]

I really love these videos Kathy 😍