How did X-rays change the electrical conductivity of gases in Rutherford and J.J. Thomson’s research?

In their research, Ernest Rutherford and J.J. Thomson investigated how X-rays altered the electrical conductivity of gases. They discovered that X-rays cause ionization, a process in which atoms or molecules are broken into positive and negative parts known as ions.

These charged particles are then attracted to electrodes of the opposite polarity, which facilitates the flow of electricity through the gas. This foundational work helped clarify the nature of charged particles and contributed to the broader understanding of the atomic world.1