Aim: to observe radiation emitted from a nucleus by using a Wilson Cloud Chamber
Method:
- Soak a piece of filter paper in methylated spirits, and place it in the cloud chamber
- Cool the cloud chamber to a very low temperature using dry ice (solid CO2)
- Connect the cloud chamber to a power source.
- Place an α or β source in the hole in the side of the chamber.
- Observe.
Results:
· An α particle would leave a broad, straight path of definite length
o Broad – high ionizing power
o Straight path – more massive than e-
o Definite length – all particles produced with the same amount of energy
o Shorter length – lower penetrating power
· A β particle would produce a light path with bends.
o Light path – lower ionizing power
o Bends – collisions
o All unequal length – released at different energy levels
o Longer length – higher penetrating power
· γ rays do not produce a visible track, since they produce very few ions in the air.
Conclusion:
We were able to observe radiation emitted from a nucleus by using a Wilson Cloud Chamber.