Unique Presentation Identifier:

O9

Program Type

Undergraduate

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Jessica Young

Document Type

Presentation

Location

Face-to-face

Start Date

29-4-2025 11:00 AM

Abstract

We measured the charge-to-mass ratio (q/m) of the electron via a method similar to that used by J.J. Thomson in 1897. Our calculated value is q/m = (1.752 +/- 0.046) x 10^11 C/kg, which agrees with the textbook value of 1.759 x 10^11 C/kg within an error of 0.36%. This confirms the viability and accuracy of Thomson's approach for determining the electron's q/m ratio. Observed uncertainties are attributed to variations in the magnetic field within the Helmholtz coil apparatus and fluctuations in current over time.

Included in

Physics Commons

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Apr 29th, 11:00 AM

Charge-to-Mass Ratio of the Electron

Face-to-face

We measured the charge-to-mass ratio (q/m) of the electron via a method similar to that used by J.J. Thomson in 1897. Our calculated value is q/m = (1.752 +/- 0.046) x 10^11 C/kg, which agrees with the textbook value of 1.759 x 10^11 C/kg within an error of 0.36%. This confirms the viability and accuracy of Thomson's approach for determining the electron's q/m ratio. Observed uncertainties are attributed to variations in the magnetic field within the Helmholtz coil apparatus and fluctuations in current over time.