Fundamental properties of the electron

Presenting clearly and concisely a story of the evolution of the electron, as seen from the viewpoint of modern theoretical physics, this article reveals that the electron in many respects is following the “trend of the times.” A review of the status of the electron reveals clearly that its properties have been extended well beyond those contemplated by its discoverer; also that, in following the simple and apparently necessary expedient of endowing the electron with such properties as a wave aspect and a change of mass with velocity, the vividness of the mental conception of an electron has been dulled. The author indicates that, in addition to the mental picture of fundamental atomic processes having become more difficult or even impossible, the intrinsic precision of the processes themselves is called into question by the most recent theories. This is the second in a series of special articles developed under the sponsorship of the A.I.E.E. committee on education.