Defining Variables for Data Analysis in a Lab Experiment

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around analyzing data from a lab experiment aimed at determining the drift velocity of electrons and their diffusion coefficient. The experiment involved measuring time differences between signals from gaseous detectors triggered by alpha particles, which ionize the gas and accelerate electrons. A key point of confusion arises from the professor's assertion that the full width at half maximum (FWHM) should be represented as σ = A · t^(3/2) + σ₀, while the general equation is σ = √(2Dt). The participant seeks guidance on transitioning from the general diffusion equation to the professor's proposed form to ultimately calculate the diffusion coefficient. Clarification on variable definitions and relationships is requested to resolve this analytical challenge.
CptXray
Messages
22
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement


Hello, I have a problem with my data analysis from my lab. My goal is to find drift velocity of the electron and it's diffusion coefficient. The experiment looked like this: I've measured the time difference between signals on two gaseous detectors. The source of the signal were ##\alpha## particles from radioactive element inside the measurement system. Alpha particles ionize the gas inside chamber and then electrons are accelerated in a constant potential etc. Everything went fine until professor said that full width at half maximum should be ##\sigma = A \cdot t^{3/2} + \sigma_{0}## and it does match my data:
dyfuzjaforum.png

Homework Equations


The problem is that in general ##\sigma = \sqrt{2Dt}##.

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know to go form ##\sqrt{2Dt}## to ##A\cdot t^{3/2} + \sigma_{0}##, because the last thing to do is finding diffusion coefficient. I'd appreciate any help and tips.
 

Attachments

  • dyfuzjaforum.png
    dyfuzjaforum.png
    10.5 KB · Views: 611
Physics news on Phys.org
CptXray said:

Homework Statement


Hello, I have a problem with my data analysis from my lab. My goal is to find drift velocity of the electron and it's diffusion coefficient. The experiment looked like this: I've measured the time difference between signals on two gaseous detectors. The source of the signal were ##\alpha## particles from radioactive element inside the measurement system. Alpha particles ionize the gas inside chamber and then electrons are accelerated in a constant potential etc. Everything went fine until professor said that full width at half maximum should be ##\sigma = A \cdot t^{3/2} + \sigma_{0}## and it does match my data:View attachment 239773

Homework Equations


The problem is that in general ##\sigma = \sqrt{2Dt}##.

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know to go form ##\sqrt{2Dt}## to ##A\cdot t^{3/2} + \sigma_{0}##, because the last thing to do is finding diffusion coefficient. I'd appreciate any help and tips.
Please define all your variables.
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top