Sealed sources of alpha particles and beta particles are used with a small student cloud chamber to observe the paths of alphas and betas. The alpha paths (shown in the photograph) are very distinct and clear, whereas the beta paths are more diffuse. Cosmic ray products or gamma rays are also visible, but less distinct.
The cloud chamber uses dry ice for cooling, and uses methanol to remove heat from the chamber and to provide the atmosphere of supersaturated alcohol vapor which condenses along the path of the ionizing particles to make the path visible.
Demonstrate radioactivity, the Geiger counter, and some differences between alpha, beta, and gamma radiation Read More
Demonstrate that radioactive radon daughters are present in the air Read More
Demonstrate the existence of cosmic rays. Read More
Show them what a large photomultiplier tube looks like. Read More
Show some consumer products and naturally occurring materials that are weakly radioactive Read More
Demonstrate properties of shrink tube. Read More
Demonstrate how a smoke alarm works. Read More
Illustrates the radioactive decay of a sample of nuclei. Shows how a half-life is determined
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Use chart of the nuclides in small class groups. Read More
Observe alpha and beta particle paths with a cloud chamber. Read More
Allow individual viewing of bubble chamber tracks in three dimensions. Read More
Show difference in scattering from the Thompson and Rutherford models of the nucleus. Read More
Demonstrate geometry for the Millikan oil drop experiment. Read More
Demonstrate a molecular chain reaction, either controlled or uncontrolled. Read More
Model of uncontrolled nuclear chain reaction. Read More