How to detect alpha radiation without a counter?

[Etheryte]

Alright if I have an object that's completely constituted of alpha radiation particles (emitting the +2 charge nucleus of a hydrogen atom), how would that be accurately detected taking into consideration that I don't have a Griegor Counter on hand?

Americium-241

 

[Drakkith]

Do you actually have an alpha-source you need to detect, or is this just a question?

 

[Etheryte]

I have an alpha source!

 

[Drakkith]

In the interest of safety, I am going to have to delete a response, close this thread, and advise you to acquire a proper detector. Radiation is dangerous to both you and others around you, and requires strict safety procedures. If you do not know what to use, or where to find the proper equipment, then you probably shouldn't be working with a radiation source. See PF rules by clicking on Site Info at the top of the page and then Rules and Guidelines.

 

[sardar]

and Polonium-210 are two radioactive elements that emit alpha particles. These particles can be detected using a technique called autoradiography. This involves placing the object on a special photographic film and exposing it to the alpha particles. The particles will cause a chemical reaction on the film, producing dark spots that can be seen under a microscope. This method is commonly used in the detection of alpha particles in biological samples.

Another way to detect alpha radiation without a counter is through the use of a cloud chamber. This device allows the visualization of the tracks left by alpha particles as they pass through a supersaturated vapor. The tracks can be seen under a microscope and counted to determine the presence and intensity of alpha radiation.

In addition, there are also handheld radiation detectors that can detect alpha particles. These detectors use a semiconductor material that produces a small electrical pulse when struck by an alpha particle. The pulse can be amplified and measured, providing information about the presence and intensity of alpha radiation.

It is important to note that these methods may not be as accurate as using a Griegor Counter, but they can still provide valuable information about the presence of alpha radiation in an object. It is always best to use multiple detection methods to confirm the presence of radiation and to ensure accurate results.