The case for a ring electron

Abstract

Dr. H. S. Allen discussed the arguments in favour of an electron in the form of a current circuit capable of producing magnetic effects. Then the electron, in addition to exerting electrostatic forces, behaves like a small magnet. The assumption of the ring electron removes many outstanding difficulties: - There is no loss of energy by radiation as in the case of a classical electron circulating in an orbit. Diamagnetic atoms must have a zero resultant magnetic moment. This is difficult to account for with electrons in orbital motion. The ring electron gives a good explanation of the facts of paramagnetism, including the experimental results of K. T. Compton and Trousdale, and of A. H. Compton and O. Rognley obtained by X-ray analysis. The asymmetry of certain types of radiation can be accounted for (A. H. Compton). The effect of the magnetisation of iron upon its absorption coefficient for X-rays observed by Forman is explained. The small amount of ionisation of gases produced by X-rays may receive an explanation. Grondahl claims to have found evidence for a magnetic electron in certain thermoelectric effects. Webster has given a method of deducing Planck's radiation formula by making certain assumptions as to the internal mechanism of Parson's magneton. It is suggested that Bohr's theory as to origin of series lines in spectra may be restated so as to apply it to the ring electron. The essential points of the quantum theory and Bohr's equations may be retained, even if his atomic model be rejected. If radiation is due to pulsations in a ring electron the Zeeman effect may be deduced by reasoning similar to that first employed by Lorentz. The scattering of streams of electrons from the sun due to electrostatic forces would be to some extent diminished. Parson has shown that many of the problems of chemical constitution and stereochemistry may be solved by a magneton theory of the structure of the atom. Stationary valence electrons are possible. The forces of cohesion in a solid are similar in nature to chemical forces, both sets of forces having an electromagnetic origin. The questions of the mass and magnetic moment of such a ring electron were discussed. It was pointed out that the adoption of this hypothesis would lead naturally to the acceptance of an atomic model with a magnetic core as previously suggested by the speaker.