Word: electronized
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Boyish, modest Dr. Anderson discovered the positive electron in 1932 and is now a Nobel Prizeman. In 1934, in an inconspicuous footnote, he hinted at the possible existence of a new particle. The dilemma which confronted him then was a choice between theory and observation. He was studying electrons which occur in cosmic rays. Such electrons are supposed to behave according to the Bethe-Heitler theory, which ascribes certain penetrating powers to electrons of certain velocities. Dr. Anderson's data showed that electrons did conform up to energies of 300,000,000 volts. Above that energy level there appeared...
...were theoretically predicted and diligently looked for. Such was the discovery of the planet Pluto whose existence and probable orbit were indicated by irregularities in the orbits of other planets. So, too, deuterium (heavy hydrogen) was identified because its discoverer already had intimations of its existence, and the positive electron was foreshadowed in the cogitations of at least one mathematician before its track turned up in the laboratory. In fact, some things are made use of even before they are discovered - e.g., the little uncharged particle called the neutrino which atomic physicists need in their calculations but which has never...
...Cosmic ray particles are pulled toward the earth's poles by its magnetic field. Particles of high energy resist this pull, and so predominate in the region of the Equator. The latitude difference between Madras (13° N.) and San Antonio (29° N.) furnished valuable data on electrons in the energy band between seven billion and 17 billion volts. These high energy electrons were found to conform to the Bethe-Heitler theory, rapidly losing their power to ionize (electrify) air as they pass through the atmosphere. Since the X-particle's extraordinary penetrating power was entirely...
...reasons both Drs. Anderson and Street believe that the X-particle is not a part of the primary cosmic radiation, but arises from cosmic ray collisions in the upper air. An important question remained: What is the X-particle's mass? It appeared to be heavier than an electron but lighter than a proton. But this is a wide range, about as wide as between a pound...
Fast moving electrons make an impression on a photographic plate as X-rays do, but Davisson's electrons were too slow to obtain such a picture. So he "felt" the pattern of his reflected beam by moving an electron collector around in the recoil region. Connected to an ammeter, the collector translated the strength of the electron beam at a number of points into measured electric current. The pattern having been thus patiently and ingeniously mapped out, it was seen to consist of true diffraction rings. Concluded the researchers: "Our experiments establish the wave nature of moving electrons with...