Alpha particle trajectories from Li disintegration

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the trajectories of alpha particles produced from lithium disintegration when a proton is fused with lithium. Participants clarify that the alignment of the lithium target at a 45-degree angle in Cockcroft and Walton's setup is designed to optimize scintillation detection while minimizing interference from the proton beam. The orientation of the lithium foil significantly affects the number of reactions, influenced by both thickness and target alignment. The user expresses a need for clarity on the implications of target orientation on alpha particle trajectories.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of high-energy physics concepts, specifically nuclear reactions.
  • Familiarity with scintillation detection techniques.
  • Knowledge of particle beam alignment and its effects on reaction outcomes.
  • Basic principles of proton-lithium fusion processes.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Cockcroft-Walton accelerator design and its applications in nuclear physics.
  • Study the principles of scintillation detection and its role in particle physics experiments.
  • Explore the effects of target thickness and orientation on nuclear reaction rates.
  • Investigate the dynamics of alpha particle trajectories in proton-induced reactions.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, nuclear engineers, and students in high-energy physics who are interested in the mechanics of particle interactions and detection methodologies.

HarryTick
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
When a proton is fused with lithium and two alpha particles are formed, how do you know which direction they'll go. I thought they would take roughly the same path as the accelerated proton, but in the explanations of Cockroft and Walton's setup, they show the lithium at a 45 degree angle and the scintillation detector off to the side. http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1951/cockcroft-lecture.pdf" If a piece of lithium foil was placed perpendicular to the proton stream, would the alpha particle trajectories be different?

Please bear with me, I am an environmental chemist, not a physicist.

Edit: I can't believe I posted this in the wrong subforum. I meant to post this in the high energy physics section. Can a mod please move this?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
The alignment of the Li target is simply for observing the scintillation while keeping the instrumentation out of the beam, and in this case the axis of the detectors is perpendicular to the beam. The total number of reactions would be a function of the thickness and to some extent the orientation of the target.
 
Is there a mod that can move this to the appropriate forum, or should I just edit my post to nothingness and post it in the proper forum?
 

Similar threads

Calculate the kinetic energy of two alpha particles
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Is my Cockcroft-Walton accelerator design correct?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Graduate How Do You Calculate the Speed of a Proton and Alpha Particle from a Decaying Lithium Isotope?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K