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The discovery of the Canal Rays 1895

ê Experiments on the conduction of electricity through low-pressure gases led to the discovery of two kinds of rays: cathode rays, coming from the negative electrode in a gas discharge tube, and positive or canal rays from the positive electrode. Discovered by Thomson.

4 electric charges were carried by extremely small particles had already been suspected in the 19th century and, as indicated by electrochemical experiments, the charge of these elementary particles was a definite, invariant quantity.

Thomson's Model of the Atom 1897

Thomson's model of the atom has been referred to as the "plum Pudding model." It consists of a positive gel in which electrons float around in.

Thomson is also accredited with the discovery of the electron. Using Cathode rays, he observed many properties, including the fact that the nature of the rays is the same regardless of the identity of the cathode material. He summarized his observations and concluded that the cathode rays are not waves but are particles with mass. His paper is generally accepted as the discovery of what is known as the electron.