The experiments of M. Giesel and MM. Meyer and von Schweidler showed
that the radiation of the radio-active bodies is, in part at least,
deflected by a magnetic field, and that this deflection resembles that
of the cathode rays. M. Becquerel investigated the action of the field
on the rays by the radiographic method. The experimental arrangement was
that of Fig. 4. The radium was placed in the lead receptacle, P, and
this receptacle was placed on the sensitive face of a photographic
plate, A C, covered with black paper. The whole was placed between the
poles of an electro-magnet, the magnetic field being normal to the plane
of the figure.
If the field is directed to the back of this plane, the part B C of the
plate is acted upon by rays which, after having described circular
paths, return to the plate and strike it at a right angle. These rays
are β-rays.
M. Becquerel has demonstrated that the impression consists of a wide
diffused band, a continuous spectrum indeed, showing that the sheaf of
deviable rays emitted by the source is formed of an infinite number of
radiations unequally deflected. If the gelatin of the plate be covered
with different absorbent screens (paper, glass, metals), one portion of
the spectrum is suppressed, and it is found that the rays most deflected
by the magnetic field—otherwise those which have the smallest radius of
curvature—are the most completely absorbed. With each screen, the
impression on the plate begins at a certain distance from the source of
radiation, this distance being proportional to the absorptive power of
the screen.
_Charge of the Deflected Rays._
The cathode rays are, as shown by M. Perrin, charged with negative
electricity. Further, according to the experiments of M. Perrin and M.
Lenard, they are capable of carrying their charge through the metallic
envelopes connected to earth and through isolating screens. At every
point where the cathode rays are absorbed, there is a continuous
evolution of negative electricity. We have proved that the same is the
case for the deflected β-rays of radium. _The deviable β-rays of radium
are charged with negative electricity._
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