Radioactivity and Nuclear Reactions

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How does a cloud chamber detect radiation?

A cloud chamber, a rectangular box with transparent sides containing water or ethanol vapor, can be used to detect α or β radiation.

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How does a cloud chamber detect radiation?

A cloud chamber, a rectangular box with transparent sides containing water or ethanol vapor, can be used to detect α or β radiation.

A radioactive sample placed in the cloud chamber emits charged α or β particles which pull electrons off atoms in the air leaving a trail of ions.

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How does a cloud chamber detect radiation?

Vapor condenses around these ions forming small drops along their path.

Beta leave long, thin trails

Alpha leave shorter, thicker trails

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What is a bubble chamber?

A bubble chamber contains superheated liquid under high pressure so that it does not boil.

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What is a bubble chamber?

A bubble chamber contains superheated liquid under high pressure so that it does not boil.

When a radioactive particle passes through, it leaves a trail of ions that causes the liquid to boil along the ion trail.

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Bubble Chamber

When a charged particle passes through superheated liquid, it leaves a trail of tiny gas bubbles that can be illuminated & photographed. The track of a charged particle can be used to identify the particle & to analyze complex events.

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How does an electroscope detect radiation?

Nuclear radiation can cause an electroscope to lose its charge.

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How does an electroscope detect radiation?

Nuclear radiation can cause an electroscope to lose its charge.

Leaves stay apart until their extra negative charges can combine with positive charges creating positive ions in the air.

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Tevatron Accelerator

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Measuring Radiation

A Geiger counter has a negatively charged Cu tube with a positively charged wire running through it.

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Measuring Radiation

The tube is filled with gas at low pressure.