CONTENTS

Experiment objectives:................................................... 4
Abstract:........................................................................4
Page

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History:..........................................................................4
Historical importance of this experiment:..............................................4
Technological importance of this experiment:........................................4

Introduction:..................................................................4
What are cathode rays?.................................................. 5
Properties of cathode rays:..................................................................5

Theory:..........................................................................5
Experimental details:......................................................6
The mean and its standard error:..........................................................7

Deflections of Electrons in an Electric Field:....................8

e/m Apparatus:...............................................................8
Equipment:.................................................................... 8
The e/m Tube:......................................................................................9
The Helmholtz Coils:............................................................................9
The Controls:.......................................................................................9
Cloth Hood:.........................................................................................9
Mirrored Scale:....................................................................................9
Solenoid:.............................................................................................9
Rheostat:............................................................................................9
Voltmeter:...........................................................................................9
Ammeter:............................................................................................9
Avometer-multimeter:........................................................................10

Additional Equipment Needed:......................................10

Experimental Procedure................................................10
Equipment needed:............................................................................10
Set up:..............................................................................................10
Warning:...........................................................................................10
Data acquisition.................................................................................10
Calculations and Analysis:..................................................................11

Observations and calculations:......................................11

At Voltage=190volts..........................................................................11
At Voltage=200volts:.........................................................................11
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At Voltage=210volts:.........................................................................12
At Voltage=220volts:.........................................................................12
At Voltage=230volts:.........................................................................13
At Constant current= 1 A:...................................................................13
At Current=1.1 A:..............................................................................14
At Current=1.2 A:..............................................................................15
At Current=1.3 A:..............................................................................16
At Current=1.4 A:..............................................................................17
The Mean Value For Constant Voltage:................................................18
The Mean Value For Constant Current:................................................18
Mean Value:.......................................................................................18
Actual Value Of e/m:...........................................................................18
Percentage Error:...............................................................................19

Conclusion:...................................................................19
Two Simple Demonstrations:.........................................19
Improving Experimental Results:...................................19
Measurement of e/m..........................................................................19
Notes.............................................................................................................................. 19

Precautions:.................................................................20
Appendix:.....................................................................20

Measure
electron

Charge
to
mass
ratio

EXPERIMENT OBJECTIVES:
the ratio of the electron charge-to-mass ratio e/m by studying the
trajectories in a uniform magnetic eld.

ABSTRACT:

In
this
experiment the effect of both electronic and magnetic eld on
electron is
observed and by making use of these elds on electron, charge to
mass ratio (e/m) of electron can also be calculated. The charge on electron can be measured by using other

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methods, Millikan oil drop method, but mass of electron cannot be measured using other methods. So we use
this experiment. The calculated value of e/m, which is 1.76 10 11 c/kg.

HISTORY:
HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF THIS EXPERIMENT:
In 1897 J. J. Thomson performed a series of wide-ranging experiments with far-reaching consequences (the
"discovery of the electron"). These results were crucial to the development of the understanding of the
electrical properties of matter. His experiments conrmed that the speed of the electrons is signicantly less
than that of electromagnetic waves, c; and gave an (e/m) of about 2000 times larger than that of a Hydrogen
atom ionized in an electrolysis experiment. It was not obvious at the time whether the large charge to mass
ratio was a consequence of a small mass, with the same unit of charge that was instrumental in electrolysis, or
whether it was owing to a large intrinsic charge. What he was able to show was that this new particle, with its
characteristic charge-to-mass ratio was a constituent of every material that he was able to utilize as a cathode.
This independence showed that the particles of the beam are a common constituent of matter, which we now
call the electron.
TECHNOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF THIS EXPERIMENT:
Although LCDs and plasma displays are being introduced almost all TVs in use today rely on a device known as
the cathode ray tube, or CRT, to display their images. The ne beam tube you will use to perform this
experiment is an elementary CRT. The manipulation of the trajectory of an electron beam by applying (timedependent) electromagnetic forces which you will demonstrate is a key ingredient for displaying information on
a TV screen.
The principle that a charged particle's trajectory in uniform electric and magnetic elds is dependent on its
mass is used in a device called a mass spectrometer.

INTRODUCTION:
e/m ratio stands for charge-to-mass ratio of the electron.
The modern value for the charge on the electron (to four signicant places) is 1.602 x 10 -19 coulombs and the
electrons mass is 9.109 x 10-31 kilograms.
Therefore, the modern value for the e/m ratio is 1.759 x 10 11 C/kg. Usually, grams are used rather than
kilograms giving a numerical value of 1.759 x 108.
However, there is one problem. Many textbooks and articles use the m/e ratio, which is the mass-to-charge
ratio. Reversing the above gures and using grams rather than kilograms gives a value of 5.686 x 10 -9 g/C.
The e/m ratio is important because that is as far as Thomson could get with his cathode ray tubes. Knowledge
of the value of 'e' or of 'm' would be needed to get to the other once you knew e/m, which Thomson did know.
Elsewhere you will nd discussion of how the value for 'e,' the charge on the electron was determined.
J.J. Thomson rst measured the charge-to-mass ratio of the fundamental particle of charge in a
cathode ray tube in 1897. A cathode ray tube basically consists of two metallic plates in a glass tube which has
been evacuated and lled with a very small amount of background gas. One plate is heated (by passing a
current through it) and particles boil off of the cathode and accelerate towards the other plate which is held
at a positive potential. The gas in between the plates in elastically scatters the electrons, emitting light which
shows the path of the particles. The charge-to-mass (e/m) ratio of the particles can be measured by observing
their motion in an applied magnetic eld.

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WHAT ARE CATHODE RAYS?

If a gas sample is introduced into the region between two charged plates, a current flow can be observed,
suggesting that the atoms have been broken down into charged constituents. The source of these charged
particles is a heated cathode that, in fact, causes the atoms of the sample to ionize. These were known as
cathode rays. In 1897, Thomson set out to prove that the cathode rays produced from the cathode were
actually a stream of negatively charged particles called electrons. (See Figure 1.8 in the textbook for Thomson's
experimental setup). From Maxwell's theory, he knew that charged particles could be deflected in a magnetic
eld.
PROPERTIES OF CATHODE RAYS:
There were a number of results gathered over the years by cathode ray tube researchers.
a. If an object is placed in the path of the cathode ray, a shadow of the object is cast on the glowing tube
wall at the end. This showed that the cathode rays traveled in straight lines.
b. The cathode ray can push a small paddle wheel up an incline, against the force of gravity. This showed
that the cathode ray carried energy and could do work.
c. The cathode ray is deflected from a straight line path by a magnetic eld, suggesting that the two were
related in some way. The discovery of this effect in 1855 predates by some ten years the unication of
electricity and magnetism by James Clerk Maxwell.
d. Although there was some speculation that the cathode rays were negatively charged, it is not shown to be
true by experiment until 1895, just two years before Thomson announces the electron.
e. J.J. Thomson is the rst individual to succeed in deflecting the cathode ray with an electrical eld. He did
so in 1897. The cathode rays bend toward the positive pole, conrming that cathode rays is negatively
charged.

THEORY:
If a narrow beam of electrons moving with constant speed v be projected into a magnetic eld
(directed, say, into the plane of the paper), a constant force F normally on each electron and makes the beam
moving in a circular path of radius r. the force F provides the necessary centripetal force and is given by:
F = Bev..(1)

Centripetal force =

mv 2
r

..(2)

Where, v, m and e are respectively the velocity, mass and the charge of the electron; B is the magnetic eld
and r, the radius of the circular path. Equation (1) and (2) we get :

m v2
Bev=
r

e v
= (3)
m Br
Now in this experiment the electron beam is obtained by heating a cathode (electrically) and accelerating the
electrons given of by it through a potential difference of V volts applied between the cathode and an anode
containing a small orice through which the electron beam issues out. (The beam is made visible by the
presence of a gas in the tube at low pressure. Gas atoms are excited by the colliding electrons and emit light
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enabling us to see the path of the beam). The kinetic energy gain by the electrons in falling through the
potential V is given by:

1
eV = m v2 ..(4)
2
Assuming, of course, that electrons come out of the cathode with zero velocity (actually the velocity distribution
is max wellian).
From equation (4) we have:

v 2=

v=

2 eV
m

2 eV
.(5)
m

Substituting the value of v from (5) into (3), we get

2 eV
e
m
=
m
Br
e
.V
(
m)
e
=
2

m2

B 2 r2

e 2V
=
m B 2r2
This is the relation that we intend to use to calculate e/m.

EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS:
In this experiment there are only three quantities that have to be measured, namely, V, B and r. The magnetic
eld B is produced by a pair of Helmholtz coils, each standing in a vertical plane. The coils have equal number
of turns (130 turns each) and the separation between them is equal to the radius (150 mm) of each coil. The
pair of coils is mounted on a base board and the ne-beam tube with diameter approx. 175mm (shown in
gure) is placed between the two coils. (The arrangement of having two coils with spacing equal to their radii
gives rise to a uniform magnetic eld in the region between the coils, where the path of the electron beam is
made to lie.)

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Current (I) from a battery is passed through the coils (connected in series) and can be controlled by a rheostat
and measured by an ammeter. The maximum allowed current is 2 amperes.
The voltage (V) and the current (I) should be so adjusted that the path of the beam becomes a circle. This will
be possible only when the magnetic eld is set exactly perpendicular to the initial direction of the beam i.e., as
it comes out of the anode. The wiring connections are not difficult to learn and you should consult the instructor
for this purpose.
Lastly, the radius of the circular path of the electron beam should be measured with a Vernier (traveling)
microscope both in the vertical and horizontal directions and several readings taken, at each value of the
voltage V and current I. Use at least 5 different values of the current I at each setting of the voltage V and each
time take several readings of the diameter (2r) in both directions. The voltage V should then be changed
somewhat and the above process repeated. If ve different values of the voltage are taken then you will have
25 (55) sets of readings. Thus e/m can be calculated 25 times and then its mean value and the standard error
of the mean should be computed.
The magnetic eld B can be calculated using the formula.
3

4 n . I vs
B=o ( ) 2 .
,
5
r m2
Where,

o=1.26 10

Vs
Am

THE MEAN AND ITS STANDARD ERROR:

Let x1, x2, , xn be a set on n observations of the variable x (e/m in our case).
Then the mean value of x is simply

x =

x 1 +x 2+ x3 + +x n
n

The standard deviation of the above set of observations is

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7 of 20

(x i x )
=
n

The standard error of the mean is then,

S . E ( x )=

You should also plot a graph between v and r2 (keeping I constant) and see that it is linear.

DEFLECTIONS OF ELECTRONS IN AN ELECTRIC FIELD:

You can use the deflection plates to demonstrate how the electron beam is deflected in an electric eld.
1. Setup the equipment as described for measuring e/m except:
Flip the toggle switch to ELECTRICAL DEFLECT.
Do not supply current to the Helmholtz coils.
Connect a 0-50 VDC power supply between the banana plug connectors labeled DEFLECT PLATES
(UPPER and LOWER).
2. Apply the 6.3 (VDC or VAC), or voltage noted on tube, to the HEATER and 150-300 VDC to the
ELECTRODES of the ELECTRON GUN (the accelerating potential). Wait ten minutes to warm up the
cathode.
3. When the electron beam appears, slowly increase the voltage to the deflection plates from 0 V to
approximately 50 VDC. Note the deflection of the electron beam. Note that the beam is bent towards the
positively charged plate.

e/m APPARATUS:
The e/m Apparatus provides a simple method for measuring e/m, the charge to mass ratio of the electron. The
method is similar to that used by J.J. Thomson in 1897. A beam of electrons is accelerated through a known
potential, so the velocity of the electrons is known. A pair of Helmholtz coils produces a uniform and
measurable magnetic eld at right angles to the electron beam. This magnetic eld deflects the electron beam
in a circular path. By measuring the accelerating potential (V), the current to the Helmholtz coils (I), and the
radius of the circular path of the electron beam (r), e/m is easily calculated: e/m = 2V/B 2r2. The e/m apparatus
also has deflection plates that can be used to demonstrate the effect of an electric eld on the electron beam.
This can be used as a conrmation of the negative charge of the electron, and also to demonstrate how an
oscilloscope works. A unique feature of the e/m tube is that the socket rotates, allowing the electron beam to be
oriented at any angle (from 0-90 degrees) with respect to the magnetic eld from the Helmholtz coils. You can
therefore rotate the tube and examine the vector nature of the magnetic forces on moving charged particles.
Other experiments are also possible with the e/m tube. For example, you can use a small permanent magnet
instead of the Helmholtz coils to investigate the effect of a magnetic eld on the electron beam.

EQUIPMENT:
THE E/M TUBE:
The e/m tube is lled with helium at a pressure of 10-2 mm Hg, and contains an electron gun and deflection
plates. The electron beam leaves a visible trail in the tube, because some of the electrons collide with helium
atoms, which are excited and then radiate visible light. The heater heats the cathode, which emits electrons.
The electrons are accelerated by a potential applied between the cathode and the anode. The grid is held
positive with respect to the cathode and negative with respect to the anode. It helps to focus the electron
beam.
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THE HELMHOLTZ COILS:

The geometry of Helmholtz coils the radius of the coils is equal to their separationprovides a highly uniform
magnetic eld. The Helmholtz coils of the e/m apparatus have a radius and separation of 15 cm. Each coil has
130 turns. The magnetic eld (B) produced by the coils is proportional to the current through the coils (I) times
7.80 x 10-4 tesla/ampere.
THE CONTROLS:
The control panel of the e/m apparatus is straight forward. All connections are labeled. The hook-ups and
operation are explained in the next section.
CLOTH HOOD:
The hood can be placed over the top of the e/ m apparatus so the experiment can be performed in a lighted
room.
MIRRORED SCALE:
A mirrored scale is attached to the back of the rear Helmholtz coil. It is illuminated by lights that light
automatically when the heater of the electron gun is powered. By lining the electron beam up with its image in
the mirrored scale, you can measure the radius of the beam path without parallax error.
SOLENOID:
A solenoid is a type of electromagnet when the purpose is to generate a controlled magnetic
eld. If the purpose of the solenoid is instead to impede changes in the electric current, a solenoid can be more
specically classied as an inductor rather than an electromagnet. Not all electromagnets and inductors are
solenoids; for example, the rst electromagnet, invented in 1824, had a horseshoe rather than a cylindrical
solenoid shape.
RHEOSTAT:
Rheostat adjustable resistor used in applications that require the adjustment of current or the
varying of resistance in an electric circuit.
VOLTMETER:
A voltmeter is an electrical device which measures the potential difference in volts between two points. Since a
volt meter is always connected in parallel, it must have a very high resistance, so that it will not short the
circuit across which the voltage is to be measured.
AMMETER:
An ammeter is an electrical device which is used to measure current in amperes. This is basically, a
galvanometer. The resistance of ammeter is usually very small. It must have low resistance so that it does not
disturb the circuit in which it is connected in series in order to measure the current.
AVOMETER-MULTIMETER:
It is an instrument which can measure current in amperes, potential difference in volts and resistance in ohms.
It basically consist of sensitive galvanometer which is connected into multi-range ammeter, voltmeter or
ohmmeter according to as current measuring circuit or voltage measuring circuit or resistance measuring circuit
is connected with galvanometer.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

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Power Supplies: 6-9 VDC @ 3 A (ripple < 1%) for Helmholtz coils.
6.3 VDC or VAC for lament 150-300
VDC accelerating potential
Meters: Ammeter with 0-2 A range to measure current in Helmholtz coils.
Voltmeter with 0-300 V range to measure accelerating potential.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
e/m apparatus, High Voltage Power supply (for the accelerating voltage and the lament heater), GW power
supply (for the Helmholtz coils), two digital multi meters.
SET UP:
The wiring diagram for the apparatus is shown in Fig. Important: Do not turn any equipment until an instructor
have checked your wiring.
Acceptable power supplies settings: Electron Gun/lament Heater 6 V AC.
Electrodes 150 to 400 V DC
Helmholtz Coils 69 V DC (ripple should be less than 1%)
WARNING:
The voltage for a lament heater should never exceed 6.3 VAC. Higher values can burn out lament. The
Helmholtz current should NOT exceed 2 amps. To avoid accidental overshoot run the power supply at a low
setting in a constant current mode.
DATA ACQUISITION

Slowly turn the current adjust knob for the Helmholtz coils clockwise. Watch the ammeter and take care
that the current is less than 2 A.
Wait several minutes for the cathode to heat up. When it does, you will see the electron beam emerge
from the electron gun. Its trajectory be curved by the magnetic eld.
Rotate the tube slightly if you see any spiraling of the beam. Check that the electron beam is parallel to
the Helmholtz coils. If it is not, turn the tube until it is. Dont take it out of its socket. As you rotate the
tube, the socket will turn.
Measurement procedure for the radius of the electron beam r: For each measurement record:
Accelerating voltage V Current through the Helmholtz coils Look through the tube at the electron beam.
To avoid parallax errors, move your head to align one side the electron beam ring with its reflection that
you can see on the mirrored scale. Measure the radius of the beam as you see it, then repeat the
measurement on the other side, then average the results. Record your result below. To minimize human
errors each lab partner should repeat this measurement, then calculate the average value of the radius
and its uncertainty.
Repeat the radius measurements for at least 4 values of V and for each V for 5-6 different values of the
magnetic eld.

CALCULATIONS AND ANALYSIS:

Calculate e/m for each of the readings.

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For each of the four V settings calculate the mean < e/m >, the standard deviation and the standard
error. Are these means consistent with one another sufficiently that you can combine them ?
Calculate the mean for all e/m readings, its standard deviation and the standard error..
Specify how this mean compares to the accepted value.
Finally, plot the data in the following way which should, reveal a linear relationship: plot V on the
ordinate [y-axis] versus r2B2/2 on the abscissa [x-axis]. The optimal slope of this conguration of data
should be < e/m >. Determine the slope from your plot and its error. Do you have any value for
intercept? What do you expect?

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

AT VOLTAGE=190VOLTS

No
1

diameter(
m)
0.092

radius(m)

current(A)

B(T)

B2

e/m

0.046

9.1x10-4

8.281x10-

2.16x1011

0.085

0.0426

1.1

1.08x10-3

1.2

-3

1.166x10-

1.7x1011

0.078

0.03925

1.28x10

1.638x10-

1.5x1011

0.0755

0.03775

1.44x10-3

1.3

2.074x10-

1.28x1011

0.0715

0.03575

1.64x10-3

1.4

2.69x10-6

1.106x101
1

Average Value of e/m = 1.549x1011 C/Kg

AT VOLTAGE=200VOLTS:

No,
1
2
3
4
5

diameter(m radius(m current(

)
)
A)
0.0855
0.0427
1
0.087
0.0815
0.0775
0.0715

0.0435
0.0408
0.0388
0.0358

1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4

B(T)

B2

e/m

9.8x10-4

9.60x10-

2.27x101

1.06x10

-3

1.12x10

1.18x101

1.51x10-

1.57x101

1.407x10

1.98x10-

1.36x101

-3

1.23x10-3

1.642x10

2.69x10

-3

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1.16x101
1

Average Value of e/m=1.5088x1011 C/Kg

AT VOLTAGE=210VOLTS:

No
1
2
3
4

diameter(m radius(m current(

)
)
A)
0.101
0.0505
1
0.098
0.089
0.0885

0.049
0.0445
0.0442

1.1
1.2
1.3

B(T)

B2

e/m

8.304x10

6.89x10-

2.38x1011

-4

9.913x10

8.86x10-

-4

1.131x10

1.29x10-

-3

1.23x10-3

1.52x10-

1.97x1011
1.66x1011
1.41x1011

0.075

0.375

1.56x10-3

1.4

2.44x10-

1.22x1011

Average Value of e/m=1.7309x1011 C/Kg

AT VOLTAGE=220VOLTS:

No
1
2

diameter(m radius(m current(

)
)
A)
0.0145
0.0052
1
0.095

0.0475

1.1

B(T)

B2

e/m

8.025x10

6.44x10-

2.50x1011

-4

9.71x10

-4

9.43x10-

2.06x1011

0.0875

0.0437

1.2

1.15x10-3

1.32x10-

1.73x1011

0.0855

0.0427

1.3

1.27x10-3

1.4

-3

1.63x10-

1.48x1011

0.083

0.041

1.43x10

2.05x106

Average Value of e/m =1.813x1011 C/Kg

Page

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1.27x1011

AT VOLTAGE=230VOLTS:

No
1
2
3
4
5

diameter( radius(
m)
m)
0.0965
0.4825
0.090
0.085
0.0735
0.077

0.045
0.0425
0.0367
5
0.0385

current( B(T)
A)
1.1
4.56x1
0-4
1.2
1.18x1
0-3
1.3
1.28x1
0-3
1.4
1.59x1
0-3
1.5
1.66x1
0-3

B2

e/m

2.08x1
0-7
1.40x1
0-6
1.64x1
0-6
2.55x1
0-6
2.76x1
0-6

2.16x10
11

1.82x10
11

1.49x10
11

1.34x10
11

1.16x10
11

Average Value of e/m =1.5914x1011 C/Kg

AT CONSTANT CURRENT= 1 A:

No
1
2
3

diameter(m radius(
)
m)
0.0815
0.04075
0.0915
0.092

0.04575
0.04575

V(volts)

B(T)

B2

e/m

170

1.059x10

1.12x10-

1.933x101

-6

12

9.166x10

8.40x10-

2.047x101

-4

180
200

8.83x10

-4

2.03x1011

7.26x10-

2.27x1011

7.78x10
7

0.095

0.0475

210

8.52x10-5

0.0985

0.0925

220

7.95x10-4

6.32x107

Average Value of e/m = 2.1567X1011 C/Kg

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2.51x1011

square of radius y-axis

Linear (square of radius y-axis)

2.5
2.4
2.3
2.2
2.1
r2

2
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
165

175

185

195

205

215

225

voltage

AT CURRENT=1.1 A:

No
1
2
3
4
5

diameter( radius(
m)
m)
0.0815
0.0407
5
0.085
0.0425
0.095
0.0975
0.105

0.0475
0.0487
6
0.0525

V(volts
)
170
180
190
200
210

B(T)

B2

e/m

1.13x1
0-3
1.09x1
0-3
9.71x1
0-4
9.46x1
0-4
8.78x1
0-4

1.28x1
0-6
1.17x1
0-6
9.43x1
0-5
8.95x1
0-6
7.72x1
0-5

1.59x10

Average Value of e/m =1.8044x1011C/Kg

Page

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11

1.60x10
11

1.78x10
11

1.88x10
11

2.07x10
11

Graph b/w r2 and voltage

3
2.8
2.6
2.4
2.2
2
1.8
1.6
165

175

185

195

205

215

AT CURRENT=1.2 A:

No
1

diameter(m radius(
)
m)
0.085
0.0425

V(volts)

B(T)

B2

e/m

170

1.177x10

1.38x10-6

1.34x101

-3

0.082

0.0405

180

1.24x10

-3

1.54x10

-6

1.42x101
1

3
4

0.0845
0.086

0.04225
0.043

190

1.19x10-3

1.418x10

1.50x101

-6

1.58x101

200

1.17x10-3

1.37x10-6

210

-3

-6

0.0926

0.0463

1.08x10

1.19x10

1.66x101
1

Average Value of e/m =1.5006x1011 C/Kg

Page

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Graph b/w r2 and voltage

2.4
2.2
2
1.8
1.6
1.4
165

175

185

195

205

215

AT CURRENT=1.3 A:

No
1
2
3
4
5

diameter( radius(
m)
m)
0.075
0.0375
0.077
0.0825
0.0845
0.084

0.0385
0.0412
5
0.0422
5
0.042

V(volts
)
180
190
200
210
220

B(T)

B2

e/m

1.47x1
0-3
1.42x1
0-3
1.32x1
0-3
1.29x1
0-3
1.29x1
0-3

2.16x1
0-6
2.05x1
0-6
1.74x1
0-6
1.67x1
0-6
1,68x1
0-6

1.21x10

Average Value of e/m =1.345x1011 C/Kg

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11

1.27x10
11

1.34x10
11

1.41x10
11

1.48x10
11

Graph b/w r2 and voltage

1.95
1.85
1.75
1.65
1.55
1.45
1.35
175

180

185

190

195

200

205

210

215

220

225

AT CURRENT=1.4 A:

No
1
2
3
4
5

diameter( radius(
m)
m)
0.0705
0.0352
5
0.0715
0.3575
0.079
0.076
0.081

0.0395
0.38
0.0405

V(volts
)
180
190
200
210
220

B(T)

B2

e/m

1.66x1
0-3
1.64x1
0-3
1.79x1
0-3
1.55x1
0-3
1.59x1
0-3

2.75x1
0-6
2.69x1
0-6
2.21x1
0-6
2.38x1
0-6
2.25x1
0-6

1.05x10

Average Value=1.2536x1011 C/Kg

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11

1.11x10
11

1.17x10
11

1.22x10
11

1.33x10
11

Graph b/w r2 and voltage

1.7
1.6
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.2
175

180

185

190

195

200

205

210

THE MEAN VALUE FOR CONSTANT VOLTAGE:

11

(1.549+1.5088+1.7309+1.813+1.5914)10
Mean value=
5
11

1.633x 10 C /Kg

THE MEAN VALUE FOR CONSTANT CURRENT:

11

(2.1567+1.8044+1.5006+1.345+1.2536)x 10
Mean value=
5

= 1.61206x1011 C/Kg
MEAN VALUE:

(1.633+1.61206)x 10
Meanvalue=
2

11

= 1.62253 X1011C/Kg
ACTUAL VALUE OF E/M:

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215

220

Actual value =1.75x10 11C/kg

PERCENTAGE ERROR:

Actual value of e/m = 1.75x1011C/kg

Observed value of e/m = 1.62253 X1011C/Kg
Percentage error =

Actual valueObserved value

100
Actual value

=7.28%
CONCLUSION:
I have performed this analysis with full consideration and in the wake of performing this trial i
discover the estimation of e/m with 7.28% mistake. I deliberately performed this test, yet there is mistake,
there are distinctive wellsprings of blunders (room isn't completely dark, calibration, measuring,
disappointment in measuring the diameter and so on). Subsequent to performing this examination we can
discover the charge to mass proportion of the electron. This is most imperative investigation to discover charge
to mass ratio of electron.

TWO SIMPLE DEMONSTRATIONS:

Instead of using the Helmholtz coils to bend the electron beam, you can use a permanent magnet to
show the effect of a magnetic eld on the electron beam. Just provide the following power to the e/m
apparatus:
HEATER: 6.3 (VAC or VDC), or voltage noted on tube ELECTRON GUN ELECTRODES: 150- 300 VDC when
the electron beam appears, use your permanent magnet to bend the beam.
The socket for the e/m tube is designed so that the tube can be rotated 90 degrees. The tube can
therefore be oriented so it is at any angle, from 0-90 degrees, with respect to the magnetic eld from
the Helmholtz coils. By setting up the equipment as for measuring e/m, you can rotate the tube and
study how the beam deflection is affected.

IMPROVING EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS:

MEASUREMENT OF E/M
NOTES

The greatest source of error in this experiment is the velocity of the electrons. First, the nonuniformity of the accelerating eld caused by the hole in the anode causes the velocity of the electrons
to be slightly less than their theoretical value. Second, collisions with the helium atoms in the tube
further rob the electrons of their velocity. Since the equation for e/m is proportional to 1/r2, and r is
proportional to v, experimental values for e/m will be greatly affected by these two effects.
To minimize the error due to this lost electron velocity, measure radius to the outside of the beam
path.
To minimize the relative effect of collisions, keep the accelerating voltage as high as possible.
(Above 250V for best results.) Note, however, that if the voltage is too high, the radius measurement will
be distorted by the curvature of the glass at the edge of the tube. Our best results were made with radii
of less than 5cm.
Your experimental values will be higher than theoretical, due to the fact that both major sources
of error cause the radius to be measured as smaller than it should be.
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PRECAUTIONS:

The magnetic eld should be set exactly perpendicular to the electron beam.
The high voltage supply should not be switched on until all the connections have been checked by the
instructor.
The meters should be set on their appropriate ranges before wiring them in the circuit.
The voltage to the heater of the electron gun should NEVER exceed 6.3 volts, unless noted otherwise on
tube. Higher voltages will burn out the lament and destroy the e/m tube.
You will be working with high voltage. Make all connections when power is off. Turn power off before
changing/removing connections. Make sure that there is no loose or open contacts.

APPENDIX:
Electric field:
The space around a charged particle where another test charge feels attraction or repulsion such eld is called
electric eld.
Magnetic field:
The region surrounding a current carrying conductor such region is said to be magnetic eld.

X___________________________________________________

M. Usman Mustafa

Group 5 (Leader)

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