Negative absorption coefficient in muon absorption?

In summary, the conversation was about an experiment to find the absorption coefficient of different materials for muons. The data showed an increase in muons after passing through one material, which is not possible. The use of Lambert's law resulted in a negative value for the coefficient, likely due to a snow storm during measurements. The speaker is looking for a way to correct this issue and is asked to describe the experimental setup.
  • #1
Ahmed Abdalla
10
2

Homework Statement


I am conducting an experiment where I am interested in finding the absorption coefficient of different materials as muons pass through them. My data was all well until I realized more muons were measured AFTER they passed through one of the materials, which makes no sense because how can you measure more of something after it was absorbed through a material. I used Lambert’s law to solve for the coefficient of absorption of the materials and it was not surprising that for this particular measurement I got a negative value, which again is impossible. I can explain that due to a bad snow storm during measurements more muons may have been measured compared to when they were measured without any metrial (my control group which was on an average weather) but when I present my data this just seems crazy. I was wondering if there is a way I can correct it in a sense.
 
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  • #2
Could you describe and give the details of your experimental setup?
 

1. What is the meaning of a negative absorption coefficient in muon absorption?

A negative absorption coefficient in muon absorption refers to the rate at which muons are absorbed by a material or substance. This means that the number of muons entering the material is greater than the number of muons exiting the material. It is an indication of the efficiency of the material in absorbing muons.

2. How is the absorption coefficient of muons measured?

The absorption coefficient of muons is typically measured using a technique called muon spectroscopy. This involves directing a beam of muons towards a material and then measuring the number of muons that pass through the material as a function of their energy. The absorption coefficient can then be calculated from this data.

3. What factors can affect the absorption coefficient of muons?

The absorption coefficient of muons can be affected by several factors, including the density and composition of the material, the energy of the muons, and the temperature and pressure of the material. Additionally, the presence of magnetic fields or other external influences can also impact the absorption coefficient.

4. How is the absorption coefficient related to the properties of a material?

The absorption coefficient of muons is related to the properties of a material in terms of its density and composition. Materials with higher densities and heavier elements tend to have higher absorption coefficients, as they are more likely to interact with and absorb muons. The structure and arrangement of atoms within a material can also affect its absorption coefficient.

5. What are the practical applications of studying negative absorption coefficient in muon absorption?

The study of negative absorption coefficient in muon absorption has several practical applications. It can be used to understand the properties of materials, as well as to study the effects of high-energy particles on matter. This information can be useful in fields such as materials science, particle physics, and radiation detection and protection.

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