The chemical effects of cathode rays. Part I. -The decomposition of ammonia

Investigation of the chemical effects ofα -particles, and of low velocity electrons of known voltages have given valuable quantitative results. Those investigations usingα -particles posses the disadvantage that the power normally available is very small , whilst those using low velocity electrons, though possessing the advantage that the critical potentials for chemical reaction and hence the active species can be determined, are practically limited to low pressures, and to reactions which are not seriously affected by heated filament. The development of the Lenard tube makes it possible to obtain a very intense source of ionisation, and to investigate reaction over a great range of pressures under conditions in which thermal effects are eliminated. It is therefore important to determine how far this method may be rendered quantitative.