Question

a. Summarize the experimental evidence prior to the research of Thomson by which you might conclude that cathode rays are some kind of particle.

b. Summarize the experimental evidence prior to the research of Thomson by which you might conclude that cathode rays are some kind of wave.

Short answer

a. The given statement is explained below.

b. The given statement is explained below.

Step-by-step solution

Part (a) step 1: Given Information

We need to find Summarize the experimental evidence prior to the research of Thomson by which you might conclude that cathode rays are some kind of particle.

Part (a) step 2: Explanation

Cathode rays are deflected by a magnetic field as if they are negatively charged particles. Cathodes made of any metal produce cathode rays, suggesting the rays are a fundamental entity. If they are articles, that would explain the deflection by a magnetic field, the motion away from other charged particles, and the fluorescence where they strike glass tubes.

Part (b) step 1: Given Information 

We need to find Summarize the experimental evidence prior to the research of Thomson by which you might conclude that cathode rays are some kind of wave.

Part (b) step 2: Explanation

They could travel in a straight line for $150times$the mean free path of known particles. They could penetrate thin foils in the same way that radio waves are known to penetrate thin foils. Waves and cathode rays both can carry energy and momentum and also cause fluorescence.