If I were to discover for myself that matter is composed of electrons, protons, and neutrons without prior knowledge of this fact, I would likely follow a similar path to the historical development of atomic theory. Here's a general outline of how such a discovery might unfold:
Observations of Electric Phenomena: I would begin by observing various electric phenomena, such as static electricity or the behavior of electrically charged objects. By noticing patterns and regularities in these observations, I would recognize that there is a fundamental unit associated with electric charge.
Experimental Investigations: I would design and conduct experiments to explore the behavior of electrically charged objects further. This might involve studying the interaction of charged objects with electric and magnetic fields or exploring the effect of electric charges on the behavior of matter.
Cathode Ray Tube Experiments: One crucial experiment that played a significant role in the discovery of electrons was the study of cathode ray tubes. I would construct and investigate these tubes to observe the behavior of cathode rays, the streams of charged particles emitted within them. By analyzing the deflection of these rays in electric and magnetic fields, I could deduce the presence of negatively charged particles, which we now know as electrons.
Charge-to-Mass Ratio Determination: To determine the charge-to-mass ratio of electrons, I might conduct experiments involving the deflection of electrons in electric and magnetic fields. By carefully measuring the forces acting on the electrons and their motion, I could calculate the charge-to-mass ratio, which would provide insights into the nature of these particles.
Study of Radioactivity: I would also explore the phenomenon of radioactivity, which involves the spontaneous decay of certain atoms. Through careful experiments and observations, I could identify the emission of various types of radiation, including alpha particles and beta particles. By analyzing the properties of these particles, I would recognize the existence of positively charged particles (protons) and neutral particles (neutrons) within the atomic nucleus.
Developing Atomic Model: Based on these discoveries, I would gradually formulate an atomic model that explains the behavior of matter. This model would involve the central nucleus containing protons and neutrons, with electrons occupying the space around the nucleus in specific energy levels or orbitals.
It's important to note that this hypothetical journey might take a considerable amount of time, as it did in the actual historical development of atomic theory. Discovering the fundamental building blocks of matter requires meticulous experimentation, observations, and the formulation of theories to explain the observed phenomena.