The quantum theory and the behavior of slow electrons in gases

The new quantum theory(1) is based on the consideration that the only observable frequencies of the atoms and molecules are the so-called jump-frequencies given by the equation ε = hv. In fact the experiments have shown that these are responsible for spectrum lines, anomalous dispersion and inelastic impacts. The revolution frequencies of the electrons in the stationary orbits, as given by the Bohr calculations, it is assumed can never be detected, so that Heisenberg(1) eliminated them from the theory intending to operate with observable data only. There are, however some experiments which have not yet been sufficiently discussed in relation to this problem: namely, the beautiful experiments on the behavior of slow electrons in gases. ("Slow" means that the electrons have less energy than corresponds to a resonance potential of the gas under investigation.) These experiments can be divided into two groups. One class deals with the deviations from the rectilinear motion which the electrons undergo in the field of force of the atoms, while the second class investigates the energy transfer. In this paper we give some considerations on the first type of experiments. The question of the energy transfer will be discussed in a following paper.