Single Collisions of Electrons in Nitrogen

Abstract

IN some recent experiments, I have measured the energy losses suffered by electrons of initially homogeneous speed in passing through nitrogen, the pressure of which was so chosen that no appreciable amount of multiple collisions should occur. The method consists in accelerating electrons from the hot cathode C into the field-free space bounded by A and B, where the collisions take place (Fig. 1). Those electrons which have not been deflected appreciably from the original direction of travel proceed through the perforated centre of B and through the narrow slit S₁ enter the box D, where their speed is measured by means of a deflecting electric field between E and F and a box collector G, placed immediately behind the exit slit S₂.