How Could You Distinguish Between an Alpha and a Beta Particle?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around distinguishing between alpha and beta particles, particularly in the context of their behavior in a cloud chamber or particle accelerator. Participants explore the physical properties and characteristics of these particles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the ionization effects of alpha and beta particles in a cloud chamber and raise questions about the physical properties of alpha particles compared to beta particles. There are inquiries about the implications of these properties in different fields.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to clarify the differences between alpha and beta particles, with some participants reflecting on their understanding and recognizing the value of asking specific questions to guide their reasoning. No explicit consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the properties of particles in relation to their behavior in fields, indicating a potential exploration of external influences on particle movement. There is an acknowledgment of the need for deeper understanding of the fundamental properties of the particles involved.

voodoomagic
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How could you distinguish between an alpha and a beta particle in a cloud chamber or a particle accelerator?
 
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Alpha particles are nuclei of helium, whereas beta particles are electrons.
Thus, Alpha particle ionised more gas molecule in the cloud chamber than beta particles, producing more alcohol and water.
Also, Alpha Particles are heavier than beta Particles----thus they are less deflected.
 
do you know what an alpha particle IS?
what are its physical properties?
Which property of alpha is opposite that property of a beta?
Which properties are a couple thousand times that of the beta?

Are you able to immerse this cloud chamber in any Fields?
 
thanks for the help guys,

lightgrav, i realized that i easily couldve figured out the answer if i just asked myself those questions,

thanks again
 

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