The discovery of cathode rays is attributed to

The correct answer is Option (4) → William Crookes

NCERT (2026-27):
Introduction – “… The cause of this fluorescence was attributed to the radiation which appeared to be coming from the cathode. These cathode rays were discovered, in 1870, by William Crookes who later, in 1879, suggested that these rays consisted of streams of fast moving negatively charged particles.”