[Virginia Tech Department of Physics]

 Lecture Demonstrations
Modern Physics
   

Q40: Radioactivity

 

Purpose: To demonstrate radioactivity and its detection; to compare the absorption of beta and gamma rays by metals; to show the decrease in activity with time for a short-lived nuclide (optional).
Description:

 

 Explain the basic idea of the Geiger counter and readouts. Show the effect of holding the sources near the Geiger tube. Show that the gamma rays will penetrate either side of the tube, but that the betas can reach the tube only through the thin-window side. Show the effect on the count rate of putting various thicknesses of absorber between each source and the detector. If desired, use the Union Carbide Minigenerator to produce a short-lived nuclide and observe or plot the subsequent activity as a function of time.
Equipment List: Storage Location: CHEMP 130A
  Beta and gamma sources, Geiger counter and associated visual and audible ratemeters, absorbers, Union Carbide Minigenerator. Not Currently Available

References:

Manual: None   Setup Notes: Q40 PIRA #:
Manufacturer(s): Other school's Demonstration web pages

A/V

E&M
[HOME] Virginia Tech Physics

[PREV] Lecture Demo List