Improved Cloud Chamber

Over the next few days, Li Qiwei became a complete celebrity at Cambridge University.

No matter where he went, people would point and whisper about him.

The upside, however, was that troublemakers became scarce; no one dared to be blind enough to make an issue of his status anymore.

Joking aside, this guy had even dared to beat up the Prime Minister's grandson, so everyone avoided him like the plague.

As a result, Li Qiwei was quite satisfied.

Every day after class, he would head to the Cavendish Laboratory to continue his studies.

To fully integrate into this era and understand its scientific research norms, Li Qiwei diligently learned how to use various instruments and familiarized himself with the current conventions for writing academic papers.

Only by truly participating in the construction of scientific instruments from scratch did he realize how difficult it had been for his predecessors.

Behind every great breakthrough in physics lay the efforts of countless individuals.

At this moment, inside the Cavendish Laboratory, Dr. Wilson was enthusiastically introducing something to Li Qiwei:

"Bruce, look, this is the instrument I designed. I call it the Particle Observer."

"Its principle is to form mist droplets using water vapor."

"Since every mist droplet must have a speck of dust as its core, if a microscopic particle enters this water vapor zone, the particle acts as the dust, and mist droplets will form around it."

"As long as we know the trajectory of the droplets, we can determine the movement process of the particles."

Li Qiwei was shocked upon hearing this. Although this instrument had long been obsolete in the future, with much more advanced equipment available for observing microscopic particles, the ability to conceive such an ingenious method over a hundred years ago—using nothing but water vapor to observe particles—was absolutely a stroke of genius.

"What a brilliant idea. Dr. Wilson, you are truly remarkable," Li Qiwei praised him sincerely.

Wilson grinned, feeling very pleased inside.

But immediately after, he said with a troubled expression, "However, I have encountered a problem."

"What problem?" Li Qiwei asked.

"My method can currently only monitor the movement trajectory of electrons, but it cannot monitor the movement trajectory of atoms."

"I don't know the reason."

"Even Professor Thomson cannot provide an answer."

Li Qiwei, of course, knew where the problem lay.

So, he asked tentatively, "Could it be because of the electric charge?"

"For water vapor to form mist droplets, the core needs to be charged."

"An atom itself is electrically neutral and carries no charge, whereas an electron is charged."

"That is why the situation you described occurs."

After speaking, Li Qiwei carefully observed Wilson's expression. Sure enough, the man was stunned.

"Charged? That's it! Why didn't I think of that?"

"I can verify this idea through an experiment."

"Wow, Bruce, you were simply born for physics."

Wilson looked excited; the problem that had been plaguing him was finally solved.

This kind of feeling was something only those who conducted experimental research themselves could truly imagine.

Moreover, with this problem solved, his mentor's atomic model could continue to progress.

For a moment, Wilson looked at Li Qiwei with glowing eyes, giving the latter goosebumps.

Li Qiwei quickly interrupted Wilson's "philosophical" assault.

"By the way, Dr. Wilson, I don't think 'Particle Observer' is a very good name."

"How about we call it a 'Cloud Chamber' instead?"

Wilson muttered to himself after hearing this, "Cloud Chamber? Cloud Chamber!"

"A great name, very fitting."

"It perfectly captures the characteristics of this instrument. Bruce, you really are something."

Without time for idle chatter, Wilson hurriedly grabbed Li Qiwei and ran toward Professor Thomson's office.

He couldn't wait to tell his mentor the good news.

In the office of the laboratory director, Professor Thomson, Wilson was reporting to him excitedly.

At the same time, he kept praising Li Qiwei, saying that it was thanks to his guidance that he had thought of the solution.

Professor Thomson heard this and looked at him with a smile, sighing inwardly.

Just a moment ago, the chairman of the university board had sought him out to inquire about Li Qiwei.

Although nothing else was explicitly stated, Thomson knew it was still because of the brawl that night.

Dr. Wilson had already told him the ins and outs of the matter.

But what he hadn't expected was that the board would actually intervene.

It made him feel furious!

It was normal for young people to have a hot temper, and besides, Cecil was the one in the wrong.

The university actually wanted him to expel Li Qiwei and remove him from the Cavendish Laboratory.

What a joke; since when could a group of administrative officials interfere in academic affairs!

Thomson had refuted them on the spot, claiming he didn't know the situation, and didn't give them any face at all.

Cavendish was still his domain!

This was the unique charm of Cambridge.

The Cavendish Laboratory was an independent institute, not under the jurisdiction of the university board.

In later generations, Cambridge University was even on par with the British government, and the government had no right to manage the school.

Without Thomson's nod, no one could touch the students here.

Not even if the person was the Prime Minister!

Moreover, this young man, Bruce, was not only highly valued by Professor Planck.

He had also just solved his student's problem.

Both emotionally and logically, Thomson had to support him.

Li Qiwei did not know what was going through Thomson's mind; he just waved his hands hurriedly, indicating that he had only made a casual suggestion.

The main work had already been completed by Dr. Wilson.

But as a T3-level bigwig, how could Professor Thomson not understand Li Qiwei's importance?

Sometimes, a simple sentence could inspire a physicist.

Therefore, he smiled and said:

"Bruce, I know modesty is a habit of you Easterners."

"However, here, regardless of status, credit belongs to whoever earned it."

"So, there is no need to decline; we shall learn from each other."

Li Qiwei was shocked to hear this. No wonder Thomson could take charge of Cavendish at the age of 28.

Regardless of his background, his spirit alone was beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Thus, Li Qiwei stopped being modest and said generously:

"Rest assured, Professor, I will assist Dr. Wilson in completing the subsequent testing and verification."

Thomson said: "Bruce, study with peace of mind and don't have any psychological burden."

"If you have any questions, you can come to me at any time."

Li Qiwei understood instantly; it seemed that fellow Cecil had already made a move.

He also knew that Professor Thomson before him wanted to protect him, otherwise, he wouldn't have said those things.

Therefore, he said sincerely: "Thank you, Professor, I will do my best."

After speaking, he left the office with Dr. Wilson.

Next, Li Qiwei attended classes and conducted experiments while waiting for news from Professor Planck.

He did not know how much external pressure Thomson could withstand.

He had to rely on himself to win the respect of others and resist all crises.

Fate must always be firmly held in one's own hands!

At the same time, a conspiracy against him was being carried out in secret.