Chadwick's experiment and proton velocity

In summary, the proton velocity in the polonium-beryllium experiment was measured using current as a means to do so. This would require knowledge of the number of protons in order to ascertain the drift velocity. The experiment may have involved accelerating the protons through a voltage and deflecting them in a magnetic field using the Lorentz force. However, it is unclear if the Lorentz force was used, but accelerating the protons through a voltage would be a reasonable method.
  • #1
Ferrus
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How did he measue the proton velocity in the polonium-beryllium experiment? The only source with some description describes his using current as a means to do so - but sure that would require knowledge of the number of protons in order to ascertain the drift velocity?
 
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  • #2
I Read a little about the experiment . He may have accelerated the protons through a voltage. K=qV k= kinetic energy q=charge V=voltage . And then he could have deflected the particles in a magnetic field
using the Lorentz force . F=qvB*sin(x)
Not sure about the Lorentz force but accelerating them through a voltage would be reasonable.
Not sure though .
 
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1. What is Chadwick's experiment?

Chadwick's experiment was a series of experiments conducted by British physicist James Chadwick in 1932 to investigate the nature of atomic nuclei. He bombarded various elements with alpha particles and discovered the existence of a neutral particle, which he named the neutron.

2. How did Chadwick's experiment contribute to our understanding of the atom?

Chadwick's experiment confirmed the existence of a neutral particle in the atomic nucleus, which was crucial in developing the modern understanding of the atom. It also helped to explain why some elements had a higher atomic mass than their number of protons would suggest.

3. What is the significance of proton velocity in Chadwick's experiment?

The velocity of protons in Chadwick's experiment was crucial in determining the mass of the neutron. By measuring the amount of energy released during the reaction and using Einstein's famous equation E=mc^2, Chadwick was able to calculate the mass of the neutron.

4. How did Chadwick's experiment impact the development of atomic energy?

Chadwick's discovery of the neutron and his experiments on atomic nuclei laid the foundation for the development of atomic energy. This understanding of the atom's structure and the release of energy during nuclear reactions paved the way for the development of nuclear power and weapons.

5. What are some applications of Chadwick's experiment in modern science?

Chadwick's experiment has had a significant impact on modern science. It has contributed to the development of nuclear power, nuclear medicine, and particle accelerators. It also provided a better understanding of the structure of matter and helped to shape our understanding of the universe.

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