Dunningtons method of determining specific charge(e/m) of electron. The experimental set up is as shown in the figure.

F is a metallic filament which iscapable of emitting electrons by thermionic emission. C is a metallic cylinder whichreceives the electrons. M1 and M2 are two metallic plates with fine holes. S1, S2, S3 and S4are four slits which defines the path of the electrons. F and C are connected to one end of a crystal oscillator O and M1 and M2 are connected to the other end of the oscillator. A magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the path of the electrons, i.e. perpendicular to the diagram. When the electrons are emitted by the filament, M1 is given a + potential so that the electrons are accelerated and describes a circular path under the transverse magnetic field B. The electrons completing the circular path are received by the receiver C and hence the galvanometer shows a deflection. By the time electrons reaches M2, if C is given a negative potential electrons are decelerated and cannot reach the receiver C. Then galvanometer deflection reduces to zero. This can be achieved either by adjusting the frequency of the oscillator or the strength of the magnet

alternating voltage at a constant high frequency produced by a crystal oscillator O is applied simultaneously to the two pairs of CM2 and FM1 . M1 and M2 are metal plates with fine holes at their centre. Electrons from the hot filament F are accelerated towards M1 during the positive half cycle and emerge through a fine opening in M1 . The electrons are then bent into

a circular path by a magnetic field B applied normal to the figure. The radius of curvature r of the circular path is defined by the slits S1 , S2 and S3 . Only those electrons whose velocity v satisfies the relation

Bev mv2 (1) r

Can pass through the slits S1 , S2 and S3 . From (1)

v Ber (2) m
After the electrons are turned through an angle , they enter the Faraday chamber C through the fine hole in grid M2 and produce deflection in the galvanometer G. The electrodes and the slits are enclosed in an evacuated glass envelope. The grid M2 is connected to the same oscillator which accelerates the electrons. Suppose the time taken by the electrons to be turned through the angle is the period 1f or integral multiple of 1f i.e. nf , where f is the frequency of the oscillator. Then the electrons will lose all their energy in overcoming the opposing P.D. between 7 M.N.Sharath kumar

M2 and C and just fail to reach C. The galvanometer indicates zero deflection when this
condition is satisfied. This can be brought Distance travelled by the electron in moving from M1 to M2 = r Time taken for traveling this distance= nf

r distance v time n/f v rf (3) n

Hence from (2) and (3)

Ber rf mn

e fm nB
is measured using the microscope built into the apparatus. B and f can be measured accurately. From the known values of , B and f, me can be calculated.