(Mis)Adventures in Radiation
The purpose of this investigation was to re-establish standards for cloud chamber construction and to analyze observations of specific radioactive particle movement to establish generalizations and relationships. An unknown source of radioactive energy from the smoke detector was also determined to be alpha type radiation. This investigation was undertaken through the research regarding radiation and radioactive theories, in addition to the procedures and setups involving types of cloud chambers. These chambers were constructed in keeping with suggested setups in a wide array of literature. None of these chambers allowed viewing of any radioactive particle trails. Only a purchased cloud chamber allowed observations after some time. Several cloud chambers were constructed using fairly common materials and chemicals. The radioactive sources were measured and each kind of chamber was tested to be sure it worked.
Time restraints, resulting from the delayed construction of the chamber, limited the kind and quantity of data collected. Basically, data was collected regarding the particles per second of the sources and observed the particle paths inside the cloud chamber.
Time restraints, resulting from the delayed construction of the chamber, limited the kind and quantity of data collected. Basically, data was collected regarding the particles per second of the sources and observed the particle paths inside the cloud chamber.
Conclusions from the construction of the chamber reveal that methyl alcohol has a higher vapor pressure than ethyl alcohol. The nature of an unknown source of radiation from the smoke detector was also able to be determined, which ended up being an alpha source. Finally, standards were established for cloud chamber construction.
Research Done By:
Dan Murphy
Fraser
Mike Rossi
Fraser
Warren Consolidated Schools