Amateur Particle Physics Experiments/Demonstrations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around amateur-level experiments and demonstrations related to particle physics, with a focus on accessible and inexpensive methods for individuals interested in exploring this field. Participants share ideas for experiments, sources of materials, and clarify the distinction between particle physics and nuclear physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in creating simple devices to demonstrate particle physics, specifically mentioning cloud chambers and the need for a radioisotope source.
  • Another participant notes that Canada is a significant supplier of radioisotopes, suggesting availability for experiments.
  • A suggestion is made that a thorium lantern mantle could serve as a radioactive source, along with a mention of Fiestaware porcelain as another potential source.
  • There is a clarification that the original inquiry may be more aligned with nuclear physics rather than particle physics, with a recommendation to use cloud chambers for cosmic ray detection.
  • Participants discuss the possibility of measuring Compton scattering using a gamma source and a GM counter, suggesting that microcurie sources can be obtained easily by mail.
  • Links to specific products for radioactive sources are provided, including options for short-lived isotopes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the feasibility of conducting amateur experiments related to particle and nuclear physics, but there is a distinction made between the two fields. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approaches and materials for the proposed experiments.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the availability and safety of radioactive materials are present, as well as the potential for confusion between particle physics and nuclear physics. Specific details about the legality and safety of using such materials are not addressed.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in amateur physics experiments, particularly those focused on particle and nuclear physics, as well as educators or hobbyists seeking accessible resources and ideas for demonstrations.

redherring
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Hello, I am a amateur-level person living in Canada with an interest in physics, especially particle physics. I have recently been wondering how possible it would be to create some simple/cheap devices to exhibit particle physics. I thought a cloud chamber would be the most feasible idea and quickly found this youtube video:



This seems great and i would love to do this myself if i can get an exempt radioisotope source as cheaply as they did.

Does anyone else out there have other ideas of experiments i could perform along these lines (it really doesn't have to be nuclear decay, i am interested in anything i can perform with what a citizen has access to and is reasonably cheap)?

Also, can anyone out there suggest some great websites/e-stores where i can purchase different supplies related to the types of experiments i would be interested in, especially Canadian ones (to reduce shipping costs)?

Thanks to all who read this post.
 
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Well, Canada is the largest supplier of radioisotopes.
 
A small piece of a thorium lantern mantle makes a decent radioactive source. Or you could pick up some orange Fiestaware porcelain at a flea market if you can find it.
 
Sounds like you're really talking about nuclear physics, not particle physics...?

Cloud chambers can be used to detect cosmic rays, but you'd probably still want an artificial source for testing.

With a gamma source and a GM counter, you could try measuring Compton scattering at different angles.

Microcurie sources are easy to obtain by mail: http://sargentwelch.com/calibrated-radioactive-sources-calibrated-radioactive-source/p/IG0039282/

If you want to play with something with a short half-life, you can get sources that separate out a short-lived daughter isotope by elution: http://store.pasco.com/pascostore/showdetl.cfm?&DID=9&Product_ID=50475&Detail=1
 

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