Gamma Spectroscopy: Measuring Atomic Numbers?

  • Thread starter Thread starter indigojoker
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Gamma Spectroscopy
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for measuring the atomic number of a radioactive source using gamma spectroscopy, particularly through the analysis of backscattering peaks. Participants explore the relationship between backscattering intensity and atomic number, while also considering the implications of different materials used in the process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of backscattering in gamma spectroscopy and question whether a formula exists that relates the intensity of backscattered peaks to atomic number. There is mention of the Compton effect and its relevance to the discussion, as well as references to alternative methods like Rutherford backscattering.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants expressing confusion and seeking clarification on how to measure atomic number using backscattered gamma rays. Some suggest that relevant formulas may exist, while others express doubt about their availability in literature. There is a mix of suggestions regarding where to find information, including textbooks and online resources.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the constraints of their lab assignment and the specific requirements for measuring atomic number, indicating a need for precise information that may not be readily available in their current resources.

indigojoker
Messages
240
Reaction score
0
Is there a way to measure the atomic number of a source using gamma spectroscopy? Like, I know that if you have different back scattering material, it will produced different intensity backscattering peaks, but is there a formula that relates intensity of backscattered peaks to the atomic number?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
gamma spectroscopy measures the energy of the emitted photons when a metastable state deexcites. Rutherford backscattering, you not use gamma rays..
 
umm back scattering from compton effect. gamma rays hit electron and if the scattering angle is 180 degree, then the scattered gamma ray will leave energy in the detector forming the backscattering peak while the scattered electron will form the compton edge.

so my question is asking if there is a way to measure the atomic number of the radioactive source using different backscattering materials (such as lead and aluminum) and measuring the difference in backscattering peak?
 
hmm still no ideas?
 
there are better ways to measure Z of material, then using backscattered gammas (compton edge). Rutherford Backscattering is the method which is used in industry nowadays. See for example Krane: Introductory nuclear physics, p 796 and forward.
 
this is for a lab. i am still confused to HOW someone can measure the Z of material using backscattered gamma rays? could you explain?
 
There are formulas where the compton edge is given as a function of atomic number of the material and incoming energy of the photon.
 
i have never seen the compton edge be related to the atomic number. it would be great if i can be directed to this formula because I've been looking for it and can't find it
 
Not me neither, but if your lab assistants wants you to find such a relation, it should exist. If not, then maybe you have missunderstood the lab-info.
 
  • #10
by "find such a relation" they mean go on the internet and look. there is no way i can "derive" such an equation from the experiments, i was just wondering if they were online at all
 
  • #11
internet? Why not textbooks in libraries etc?
 
  • #12
"i have never seen the compton edge be related to the atomic number. it would be great if i can be directed to this formula because I've been looking for it and can't find it"
 
  • #13
What sources have you considered? Google?

Why not texbooks about experimental nuclear physics / introductory books in Nuclear physics - chapters on experiment.
 
  • #14
i tried all of that. i have six nuclear/experimental physics books from the library and when they talk about gamma ray spectroscopy, it doesn't mention anything about compton edge and atomic number. I've read all the internet sources on it, i don't think one exists...
 

Similar threads

Question related to a gamma spectrometer
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Can Geiger Counter Ticks be converted into particle/wave counts?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Relationship between spectral distribution and Compton scattering
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Undergrad Spectrometer vs Spectrometry vs Spectroscopy
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
High School Using Compton Scattering to Determine Interaction Depth in Materials
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Special relativity - measure of a rod and simultaneity
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Interpretation of Net Peak Area in Gamma Spectroscopy
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Relativistic motion and length contraction
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
2K
Diffraction pattern from a grating
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
How to calculate quality factor for RLC circuit?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K