Question

in the cathode ray tube experiment, j. j. thomson passed an electric current through different gases inside a cathode ray tube in the presence of an electric field. in which two ways did this experiment change scientists’ understanding of the atom?

it showed that atoms combine in different proportions.
it showed that atoms can be divided into smaller parts.
it showed that all atoms of the same element are similar.
it showed that individual atoms could be destroyed.
it showed that all atoms contain electrons.

Explanation:

1. Analyze each option:

• "It showed that atoms combine in different proportions." This is related to chemical combinations and stoichiometry, not the cathode ray tube experiment's findings about the atom's structure.
• "It showed that atoms can be divided into smaller parts." J.J. Thomson's cathode ray tube experiment discovered electrons, which are smaller particles within the atom, proving atoms are not indivisible.
• "It showed that all atoms of the same element are similar." This is related to Dalton's atomic theory and not a result of the cathode ray tube experiment.
• "It showed that individual atoms could be destroyed." The cathode ray tube experiment did not show atom destruction; it was about the structure of atoms.
• "It showed that all atoms contain electrons." The cathode ray tube experiment, where cathode rays (electrons) were detected regardless of the gas used, showed that electrons are a fundamental part of all atoms.

1. Select the correct options: Based on the above analysis, the correct options are the ones stating that atoms can be divided into smaller parts and that all atoms contain electrons.

Answer:

• It showed that atoms can be divided into smaller parts.
• It showed that all atoms contain electrons.