Radioactive Source Emitting Only Alpha and Gamma Radiation

[Molly1235]

Homework Statement

"How could you show that a radioactive source was only emitting alpha and gamma radiation?"The attempt at a solution

This really stumped me...obviously they have different penetration distances, and different strengths of ionisation, but I don't know how to show that only these are being emitted. All I could come up with is using a beta radiation detector to show that beta is not being emitted?

 

[SteamKing]

Your beta detector can show that there is no beta radiation. But what if your source was just a gamma emitter? Or just an alpha emitter?

The key word in the problem above is, '... emitting alpha AND gamma radiation.', emphasis on the AND.

 

[Molly1235]

Your beta detector can show that there is no beta radiation. But what if your source was just a gamma emitter? Or just an alpha emitter?

The key word in the problem above is, '... emitting alpha AND gamma radiation.', emphasis on the AND.

So would I first demonstrate that there's no beta present, and then say how you can prove alpha is present, and then how to prove gamma is present? Would it be that the radiation count will decrease between being in front of and behind a sheet of paper, showing that alpha radiation has been absorbed, and then that this number wouldn't change behind a sheet of aluminium because gamma would penetrate it?

 

[zephyr5050]

It would be true that you have to show beta radiation is not present, and also that both alpha and gamma radiation must be present. I think on approach is to first consider what exactly alpha and beta radiation is composed of, and then ask what this form of radiation does when a magnetic field is applied to it. Detecting gamma rays is not an easy matter, but there are detectors out there capable of detecting gamma rays.

 

[Nickie]

To determine if a radioactive source is emitting only alpha and gamma radiation, there are a few methods that could be used. One way would be to use a Geiger counter, which can detect both alpha and gamma radiation. The Geiger counter would be placed near the source and if it only detects alpha and gamma radiation, then it can be concluded that the source is only emitting these types of radiation.

Another method would be to use a cloud chamber or bubble chamber to visualize the radiation emitted by the source. These devices allow for the visualization of the tracks left by different types of radiation. If the tracks observed are only consistent with alpha and gamma radiation, then it can be determined that these are the only types of radiation being emitted by the source.

Additionally, using a spectrometer could also help identify the types of radiation emitted by the source. Alpha particles have a specific energy spectrum and gamma rays have a different energy spectrum, so by analyzing the energy levels of the emitted radiation, it can be determined if only alpha and gamma radiation are present.

Finally, as mentioned in the attempt at a solution, using a beta radiation detector could also help confirm that no beta radiation is being emitted by the source. This would further support the conclusion that the source is only emitting alpha and gamma radiation.

Overall, a combination of these methods would provide strong evidence that a radioactive source is only emitting alpha and gamma radiation.