Simple test to determine type of radioactive decay

[sonip]

Hi Guys
Is there a simple test by which one could determine the type of decay a radioactive specimen is undergoing?
Thanks
sonip

 

[e.bar.goum]

Hi Guys
Is there a simple test by which one could determine the type of decay a radioactive specimen is undergoing?
Thanks
sonip

As in $\alpha, \beta$ or $\gamma$ radiation? The easiest thing is to use a Geiger counter, and different stopping media. If the radiation stops in a couple cm of air or a bit of paper, it's $\alpha$, $\beta$ will be stopped by a bit of aluminum, $\gamma$ won't be stopped by paper or air, but will be cut by a sheet of lead.

 

[sonip]

thank you. But is there anyway it could be done without gieger counter or other instruments of this type.
thanks
sonip

 

[mfb]

You need something that can detect radiation. A geiger counter is one of the easiest devices - unless you want to wait for days to make film a bit darker.

 

[e.bar.goum]

I was assuming this is an unknown sample. But of you know what it is, you can just look it up. http://www.nndc.bnl.gov/chart/reColor.jsp?newColor=dm

Otherwise, you do really need some kind of detector.

 

[Vanadium 50]

But is there anyway it could be done without gieger counter or other instruments of this type.

If you keep feeding us the conditions one line at a time it will take a long time before we have an acceptable answer. Maybe you should explain what you are looking for all at once,

 

[sonip]

Thank you all.
My apologies for being terse in communication.
In fact I was looking for something which could be done without Geiger counter. I was of the opinion that a coutner would be required, but the question was so open-ended, I thought I should explore.
Thank you all once again.
sonip

 

[mfb]

There are other radiation detectors, but a Geiger counter is the easiest one.
Cameras can be modified to be sensitive to radiation as well, but with a lower sensitivity.

 

[Henryk]

This was done long, long time ago. Obviously, you need some kind of radiation detector. But the test that was done was using magnetic field. Alpha particle are positively charged and are deflected one way. Beta particles (electrons) are negatively charged and deflected the opposite direction. Gamma rays are not deflected at all.