Cathode rays transform gases into new compounds with surprising properties.
The study looked at how high-speed electrons affect gases like methane, oxygen, and carbon monoxide. When methane and oxygen mix, they produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. Cathode rays on carbon monoxide create carbon dioxide and a brown suboxide. The reaction rate increases with pressure and voltage up to a certain point. Moisture affects the reaction, with dry mixtures producing more products.