Which information did m i l l i k a n contribute to the understanding of electrons

Robert A. Millikan made significant contributions to the understanding of electrons through his famous oil drop experiment, which he conducted in the early 1900s. Here are some key points regarding his contributions:

1. **Measurement of Electron Charge**: Millikan's primary achievement was the precise measurement of the charge of the electron. By balancing the gravitational and electric forces on tiny charged oil droplets suspended between two metal plates, he was able to calculate the charge on the droplets. This work allowed him to determine the elementary charge (the charge of a single electron) to be approximately \(1.6 \times 10^{-19}\) coulombs.

2. **Confirmation of Quantization of Charge**: Millikan's experiment provided strong evidence that electric charge is quantized, meaning that it exists only in discrete amounts rather than a continuous range of values. His results showed that the charge on the oil droplets was always a multiple of the elementary charge, supporting the idea that electrons are fundamental particles.

3. **Support for Atomic Theory**: His findings helped reinforce the concept of the electron as a fundamental unit of charge, which was important for the development of atomic theory and understanding the structure of atoms.

4. **Nobel Prize**: For his work on the electron and his measurements of its charge, Millikan was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1923.

Overall, Millikan's work contributed significantly to the field of atomic physics and our understanding of the nature and properties of electrons.