Looking to teach the Nuclear Science Merit Badge, had a couple of q's

[iamthegraham]

Hi everyone, I'm a counselor at a boy scout camp and we're looking at adding the Nuclear Science Merit Badge to our program. I had a couple questions about it for someone more knowledgeable than myself so hopefully someone here can help!

-Two requirements involve the construction of a cloud chamber and an electroscope, and testing them with radioactive material. I was wondering if a) anyone had any tips on how to do these simply (I've seen a couple good DIY guides, and I'm looking at doing a simple petri dish cloud chamber w/ 91% isoprobyl alcohol and a mason jar / aluminum foil /copper wire electroscope, but any other advice would be appreciated) and b, if a bit of Americium from a smoke detector would be a safe & effective way to do this. It seems to me that it would work fine with the cloud chamber, but for the electroscope I'm thinking I might need something with beta decay?

-One (optional) requirement involves using a radiation survey meter and testing a few different things with it. My camp director has given me a budget of $100 to purchase one, will this be sufficient for something decent enough to pick up some background radiation, Americium, and maybe like a banana or something? I saw a bunch of Victoreen CDV-7xx model geiger counters on ebay for $60-$100, would one of those probably work?


I appreciate any advice! The full MB requirements are avaialable here if anyone wants to take a look at them: http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Nuclear_Science

 

[AndyW]

_Merit_Badge

Dear counselor,

Thank you for reaching out for advice on incorporating the Nuclear Science Merit Badge into your program. I am happy to offer some guidance on your questions.

Firstly, let's address the issue of safety. It is important to note that working with radioactive materials should always be done with caution and proper safety measures in place. This includes wearing appropriate protective gear and following proper handling and disposal protocols. Additionally, it is recommended to have a licensed professional present when working with radioactive materials.

Regarding your question about using Americium from a smoke detector, it is not advisable to use this as a source of radiation for your activities. Smoke detectors contain a very small amount of Americium, which is not enough to produce significant results in your experiments. It is also important to note that removing the Americium from a smoke detector is not safe and should not be attempted.

For your cloud chamber and electroscope experiments, there are a few options for obtaining a safe and effective source of radiation. You can purchase a small amount of a radioactive isotope, such as Strontium-90 or Cobalt-60, from a scientific supply company. These isotopes emit beta particles, which would be suitable for your electroscope experiment. However, they may be more expensive than your budget allows.

Alternatively, you can use a radioactive mineral, such as Uranium or Thorium, to produce alpha particles for your experiments. These minerals can be found in small quantities in some rocks and soil, and can also be purchased from a scientific supply company. Just be sure to handle them with care and use proper safety precautions.

As for your budget for a radiation survey meter, $100 should be sufficient to purchase a decent one. However, it is important to do some research and read reviews before making a purchase. The Victoreen CDV-7xx models you mentioned may work, but it is always best to confirm with the seller that it can detect the types of radiation you will be testing for.

I hope this information helps you in planning your Nuclear Science Merit Badge program. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult with a licensed professional when working with radioactive materials. Best of luck!