Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 October 2008
Some previous work on the theory of the electrical counter is extended by a detailed consideration of the ionic process involved. It is shown that with a positive point the total number of ions produced should be proportional to the initial ionisation. Evidence is adduced to show that with a negative point extinction of the discharge is probably brought about by a local increase of pressure, accompanied by an electrical wind along the sides of the point. The latter would bring about the discharge of a definite quantity of electricity, independent of the initial ionisation, provided the initial pressure was not too low. It is shown that these considerations account for a number of other phenomena connected with discharges from small electrodes, and that the quantities involved are of the right order of magnitude.
The experimental work in connection with this paper has been carried out in the Cavendish Laboratory. The author desires to thank Professor Sir E. Rutherford for his continual interest in its progress, and further to thank Professor Appleton, and Dr Chadwick for much helpful discussion of several of the points involved.
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