Uncovering the History of Photographic Plates in Radioactivity Experiments

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Photographic plates are glass sheets coated with a light-sensitive emulsion that darkens upon exposure to radiation, making them useful in radioactivity experiments. They were historically significant in early experiments, such as Henri Becquerel's discovery of radioactivity in 1896, where uranium was placed next to these plates to observe radiation effects. The plates provided a visual record of radioactive emissions, which was crucial for understanding radioactivity. Alternatives to photographic plates include modern radiation detectors like Geiger counters and scintillation counters, which offer more precise measurements. The discussion highlights the evolution of detection methods in scientific research.
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what are photographic plates ? why are they used radioactivity experiments?
 
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123kid said:
what are photographic plates ?

What did you find when you did a Google search for "photographic plate" and what don't you understand about it?
 
google explain it in terms of photography, a film used in that for imaging. i want to know why in every experiment of radioactivity these plates are taken.
 
123kid said:
in every experiment of radioactivity

Which experiments are these (at least some examples) and when (approximately) were they performed? What other technologies are you thinking of, as alternatives to photographic plates?

Scientists choose technologies for their experiments based on what is available at the time, and their advantages and disadvantages.
 
jtbell said:
Which experiments are these (at least some examples) and when (approximately) were they performed? What other technologies are you thinking of, as alternatives to photographic plates?
"In the discovery of radioactivity. Henry becquerel placed some uranium with photographic plates"
 
123kid said:
"In the discovery of radioactivity. Henry becquerel placed some uranium with photographic plates"

and what was the result ?

I have done this experiment myself in years gone by

Dave
 
123kid said:
what are photographic plates ? why are they used radioactivity experiments?

Photographic plates are ancient artifacts, typically consisting of glass sheets covered with a light-sensitive emulsion; upon exposure to light, the emulsion becomes opaque.
 
123kid said:
what are photographic plates ? why are they used radioactivity experiments?
I tried Google (which is always a good idea)_. This link came up in the top few of a very long result list for "Radiation Detectors History". Read it and you can be an 'expert' on the history of such things. :smile:
 
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