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Let us take a particle like, say, the neutron. Just what is it like? First of all the, this particle has no charge. Secondly, its mass exceeds that of the electron more than 1840 times. Since it has no charge, it is quite indifferent, or neutral, to an external electric field. And, since that is the case,the neutron cannot be controlled with the aid of a field. The electron is totally different. Being charged negatively, it always tends to move towards a plate with a positive ppotential. By varying the potential, it is possible to control electrons: to accelerate or retard their movement and change their direction, to increase or decrease the stream of electrons.

But there are other particles, protons, for instance, that are not indifferent to the action of a field, because they carry a certain positive charge. Why is it then that protonic devices are not used instead of electronic ones?

The proton has a mass 1840 times that of the electron. Take an ordinary cannon ball and place baside it a ball that is 1840 times heavier. If the first should happen to weigh 30 kg, then the second could prove heavier than ten spaceships!

The heavy and inert protones can never hope to compete with the agile electrons-heavy bombers will never be as manoeuvrings as light fighter planes. All pilots know that the lighter an aircraft, the less its inertia. Turn the controls the tiniest bit, and the fighter changes course sharply. But even with the highest maneuverability, inertia must be taken into account, other wise the fighter would fly past the target by inertia, without scoring a hit.

But to return to the subject, it must be stated that the electron possess an insignificant mass and insignificant inertia compared to the proton and neutron. This means that external forces can instantly cause it to accelerate and fly along the most complex of paths. No sooner is voltage applied, than the electron gathers enormous speed. The sign of the voltage is reversed and immediately the electron flies back.

This is probably one of its most important properties. With out it, it would be impossible to “draw” an image 25 times a second on television screens; to produce oscillations with the current in a circuit changing its direction and magnitude as often as 10 000 000 000 times a second; to control high-speed rocket and to perform within an hour calculations with an electronic computer that would take a human being several years.