Introduction:
Experiments on electrical discharge through gases have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the nature of matter. These experiments have led to several important discoveries, one of which is the identification of electrons as fundamental particles. This answer will explain how experiments on electrical discharge through gases ultimately led to the discovery of electrons.

Experiments on Electrical Discharge through Gases:
In the late 19th century, scientists began to investigate the properties of electrical discharge through gases. They observed that when a high voltage was applied across two electrodes placed in a gas-filled tube, a glowing region of light called a discharge tube was formed. This discharge tube exhibited various properties, such as the emission of light, the formation of shadows, and the ability to cause fluorescence on certain materials.

Discovery of Cathode Rays:
One of the key observations made during these experiments was the presence of a stream of particles that moved from the cathode (negatively charged electrode) towards the anode (positively charged electrode) within the discharge tube. These particles were named "cathode rays" by Sir William Crookes, who conducted extensive investigations on them.

Properties of Cathode Rays:
Further experiments revealed several properties of cathode rays, which provided important clues about their nature:
1. They were deflected by electric and magnetic fields, indicating that they were negatively charged particles.
2. They produced heat when striking a solid object, suggesting that they carried energy.
3. They cast a shadow on a fluorescent screen placed outside the discharge tube, indicating that they traveled in straight lines.

Discovery of Electrons:
J.J. Thomson, a British physicist, conducted experiments to determine the nature of cathode rays and made significant contributions to the understanding of electrons. He designed an experiment using a cathode ray tube, which consisted of a glass tube with a cathode and anode at either end.

Thomson observed that by applying electric and magnetic fields, he could control the path of the cathode rays. He found that the rays were deflected towards the positive plate when an electric field was applied and were deflected in the opposite direction when a magnetic field was applied. By measuring the amount of deflection, Thomson was able to calculate the charge-to-mass ratio of the cathode rays.

Based on his experiments and calculations, Thomson proposed that cathode rays were composed of tiny, negatively charged particles called electrons. This discovery revolutionized our understanding of atomic structure and laid the foundation for the development of the atomic model.

Conclusion:
Experiments on electrical discharge through gases ultimately led to the discovery of electrons. The observation of cathode rays and their properties, along with the pioneering work of J.J. Thomson, provided strong evidence for the existence of electrons as fundamental particles. This discovery played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the nature of matter and laid the groundwork for further advancements in atomic theory.