Photographic analysis of explosions in the magnetic field

Abstract
In a discussion on Gaseous combustion with particular reference to explosions, at the British Association Meeting at Sheffield, 1910, Sir J. J. Thomson called attention to the fact that combustion is concerned not only with atoms and molecules, but also with electrons moving with very high velocities. In the "surface combustions" studied by Prof. Bone it appeared probable that the streams of electrons known to be emitted by incandescent surfaces promoted combustion by electrifying the contiguous layers of gas, and the great rapidity of combustion sending out electrons with very high velocities. These may precede the exlposion-wave and prepare the way for it by ionising the gas. But the motion of the ions can be stopped at once by means of a transverse magnetic field, in which they curl up and are caused to revolve in small circles. He therefore thought it would be of very great interest if Prof. Dixon would repeat his experiments on the photography of the explosion-wave under such conditions s to determine whether the form of the wave could be modified by a magnetic field. He further suggested that the phenomena of the damping of the velocity of electrons and the initiation of chemical change by small quantities of moisture might be closely related.

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