Question

why did thomsons results from experimenting with cathode rays cause a big change in scientific thought about atoms?
his results gave people a picture of what atoms look like for the first time.
his results gave the first clues that atoms could be created and destroyed.
his results gave the first experimental evidence that matter is made up of atoms.
his results gave the first evidence that atoms were made up of smaller particles.

Explanation:

Thomson's cathode ray experiments led to the discovery of electrons. Before this, atoms were thought to be indivisible. The discovery of electrons (smaller particles within atoms) was a major shift. The first option is incorrect as Thomson's work wasn't about visualizing atoms. The second option is wrong because atoms are not created or destroyed in chemical reactions (law of conservation of mass, and Thomson's work wasn't about that). The third option is incorrect as there was earlier evidence for atoms (e.g., Dalton's atomic theory had some basis before Thomson).

Answer:

His results gave the first evidence that atoms were made up of smaller particles.