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

Click For Summary
Alpha particles can be distinguished from beta particles in a cloud chamber or particle accelerator by their ionization capabilities and mass. Alpha particles, being helium nuclei, ionize more gas molecules than beta particles, resulting in greater alcohol and water production. They are also heavier and experience less deflection compared to the lighter beta particles, which are electrons. Understanding these physical properties helps clarify the differences between the two types of particles. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing these characteristics for accurate particle identification.
voodoomagic
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
How could you distinguish between an alpha and a beta particle in a cloud chamber or a particle accelerator?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
46
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
4K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K