Does Gravity Affect Beta Particle Absorption in Aluminium Foils?

[prochatz]

Suppose a beta particle source. Using a G.M. scintillator and several aluminium foils we can find the absorption of aluminium on beta particles. Does the absorption of aluminium changes by placing aluminium foils over or under the radioctive source? Considering for example gravity. Does gravity significantly affect this procedure?

 

[malawi_glenn]

gravity is neglectable when we do particle experiments on this sea level.

 

[Astronuc]

The beta particles interact with the atomic electrons primarily. One could place the source above with detector below, and then switch the detector above and source below. One will notice no difference for the same Al thickness.

The beta particles simply lose energy/momentum when colliding with atomic electrons. There is some interaction with the nuclei, which is termed brehmsstrahlung interaction.