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

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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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