Visualisation of radioactive particles/ diffusion cloud chamber

Principle

PHYWE's Diffusion Cloud Chambers are suitable for observing natural background radiation: cosmic radiation and the natural radioactivity of the earth. The ever-changing patterns of both types of natural radiation can be observed simultaneously thanks to the large observation area. When a charged particle (like an alpha or beta particle) passes through the chamber, it ionizes the surrounding gas. The vapor condenses around these ionized particles, forming tiny droplets that trace the particle's path. These visible trails reveal the motion and interaction of subatomic particles, providing insight into radiation and particle physics. The diffusion cloud chamber offers the opportunity to carry out physical experiments with the aid of artificial radiation sources.

Benefits

• Experience the essence of the Nobel prize: CTR Wilson (1927)
• Only instrument to visualize natural backround and cosmic radiation
• Can discriminate between different types of radiations (alpha, beta, gamma, mesons and myons)
• Qualitative and quantitative experiments described
• Permanent operation possible, no dry ice required
• Beta deflection can be visualized
• Perfect for display in science centers and museums (size: 45x45cm)

Tasks

1. Determination of the amount of background radiation.
2. Visualisation of α, β, γ -particles and mesons.
3. Visualisation of the thorium (radon) decay.
4. Deflection of β-particles in a magnetic field.

Learning objectives

• α, β, γ -particles
• β-deflection
• Ionising particles
• Mesons
• Cosmic radiation
• Radioactive decay
• Decay series
• Particle velocity
• Lorentz force