How Does Air Pressure Affect the Range of Alpha-Particles?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on designing a laboratory experiment to investigate how air pressure affects the range of alpha-particles emitted from a radioactive source. Alpha-particles, which are helium nuclei, have a range of approximately 6 to 7 cm in air due to energy transfer during collisions with air molecules. The proposed experiment involves using a vacuum pump to reduce air pressure within a closed container, employing a Geiger-Müller tube as the alpha-particle detector, and measuring the distance at which the count rate remains consistent as pressure changes. Safety precautions must also be considered during the experiment.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of alpha-particle properties and behavior
  • Familiarity with Geiger-Müller tube operation
  • Knowledge of vacuum systems and pressure measurement
  • Basic principles of radiation safety
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  • Research the operation and calibration of Geiger-Müller tubes
  • Learn about vacuum pump systems and their applications in experiments
  • Study the effects of air pressure on particle range in various gases
  • Investigate safety protocols for handling radioactive materials in laboratory settings
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Physics students, laboratory technicians, and researchers interested in radiation physics and experimental design related to alpha-particle behavior.

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Alpha-particles (helium nuclei) from a particular radioactive source have range of about 6 or 7 cm in air. This is because the kinetic energy of the alpha-particles is continually being transferred to air molecules due to collisions between the alpha-particles and the air molecules.

Design a laboratory experiment to investigate how the range of alpha-particles in air is affected by the air pressure. In your account it is expected that you will

(a) draw a diagram showing how the apparatus would be used in your investigation,
(b) explain clearly the procedure to be followed,
(c) name the alpha-particle detector which you would use,
(d) state any safety precautions which may need to be taken when performing the experiment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perform experiment in closed container

Use vacuum pump to reduce pressure
(Do not allow 'climb mountains', 'use a helicopter' etc..
A laboratory method must be employed)

('pressure gauge' shown) to measure air pressure

Geiger-Müller tube stated as detector

Diagram of apparatus
Source/detector/rule/pressure gauge/closed container

Any mention of compensating for background radiation
No details required.

Procedure to be followed
Must be workable (e.g. move GM tube to point = background;
reduce air pressure and move GM tube to position which gives
the same count rate as before and measure distance)


THE INFORMATION ABOVE THE DOTTED LINES WAS THE QUESTION GIVEN , THE INFORMATION BELOW IS WHAT I HAVE OBTAINED FROM MY UNDERSTANDING BUT STILL IM UNSURE OF MY CHOICES, ANY HELP WILL BE DEEPLY APPRECIATED


<< extraneous comment deleted by Moderators >>
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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wulmazboy said:
Alpha-particles (helium nuclei) from a particular radioactive source have range of about 6 or 7 cm in air. This is because the kinetic energy of the alpha-particles is continually being transferred to air molecules due to collisions between the alpha-particles and the air molecules.

Design a laboratory experiment to investigate how the range of alpha-particles in air is affected by the air pressure. In your account it is expected that you will

(a) draw a diagram showing how the apparatus would be used in your investigation,
(b) explain clearly the procedure to be followed,
(c) name the alpha-particle detector which you would use,
(d) state any safety precautions which may need to be taken when performing the experiment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perform experiment in closed container

Use vacuum pump to reduce pressure
(Do not allow 'climb mountains', 'use a helicopter' etc..
A laboratory method must be employed)

('pressure gauge' shown) to measure air pressure

Geiger-Müller tube stated as detector

Diagram of apparatus
Source/detector/rule/pressure gauge/closed container

Any mention of compensating for background radiation
No details required.

Procedure to be followed
Must be workable (e.g. move GM tube to point = background;
reduce air pressure and move GM tube to position which gives
the same count rate as before and measure distance)


THE INFORMATION ABOVE THE DOTTED LINES WAS THE QUESTION GIVEN , THE INFORMATION BELOW IS WHAT I HAVE OBTAINED FROM MY UNDERSTANDING BUT STILL IM UNSURE OF MY CHOICES, ANY HELP WILL BE DEEPLY APPRECIATED


<< extraneous comment deleted by Moderators >>

What are your thoughts so far? We will not design this experiment for you, but we should be able to answer specific questions once you post your thoughts on how to set up the experiment.

I'm especially interested in how you plan to move things inside the vacuum chamber...
 
cant you just use a syringe?
 
stonecoldgen said:
cant you just use a syringe?

Use a syringe for what?
 

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