Positron discovery in cloud chamber, how so?

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SUMMARY

The discovery of positrons in cloud chambers is facilitated by their brief lifespan of approximately 10^-10 seconds, which allows them to traverse the chamber before annihilating with electrons. The use of magnetic fields in cloud chambers, as mentioned by DaTario, enables the differentiation of particle trajectories, allowing for the observation of positron paths. This technique provides valuable insights into particle physics and the behavior of antimatter.

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  • Understanding of particle physics concepts, specifically antimatter and positrons.
  • Familiarity with cloud chamber technology and its operational principles.
  • Knowledge of magnetic fields and their effects on charged particles.
  • Basic grasp of photon production through particle annihilation.
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  • Research the operational principles of cloud chambers and their historical significance in particle physics.
  • Learn about the role of magnetic fields in particle detection and trajectory analysis.
  • Explore the concept of particle-antiparticle annihilation and its implications in physics.
  • Investigate the advancements in particle detection technologies beyond cloud chambers.
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Physics students, educators, and researchers interested in particle physics, antimatter studies, and experimental techniques in high-energy physics.

DaTario
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Hi All,

I was watching a video from Veritassium () when it was said that positron discovery was made in a cloud chamber. If the anti-particle of the electron is passing through a dense cloud of atoms and molecules, won't it be natural for this anti-particle to meet an electron and go through a fast pair anihilation, giving rise to photons?

Best wishes

DaTario
 
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IIRC, our school's cloud-chamber had an optional magnetic field via a pair of coils. Trails from the 'source' spiralled one way for electrons, other way for their anti-kin. And, if you were quick, measurement of curl's diameter allowed a useful estimate of energy etc...

Our school had a 'Treasure Trove' of Nuffield teaching equipment, akin to 1st-year Uni Physics level...
 

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