Particle Cloud Chamber
A particle cloud chamber is a device that makes visible to the human eye the presence of certain particles and cosmic rays. This paper will discuss the process in which a successful chamber prototype was developed. This paper will also discuss how the chamber utilizes the properties of a supersaturated environment to detect these particles. Finally, plans for the future development of a larger model to study the charge and energy of particlesthrough the use of a magnetic field is presented. The purpose of a particle cloud chamber is to detect various types of particles that are present or pass through the chamber viewing area. Though there are many different types of chambers to chose from, it was decided that a continuous, dry ice-based model be built. In the dry ice-based model a supersaturated cloud is formed at the bottom of the alcohol filled chamber. The dry ice creates a temperature gradient which causes the supersaturation. Many different variations were tested and built until a stable prototype was completed. With the prototype complete, a larger scale model will go under production boasting a much larger viewable area. With this model it will be possible to accurately s
This model worked to a small degree but the visible area was small and produced very faint results. He hypothesized that ions would condense in droplets along trajectories of these charged particles. As a result, ions would form a trail where the particle had been. Enrico Fermi,1 suggested that positively charged particles collide with gas in the Milky Way sending them flying at incredible speeds. The vapor continues to settle downward from the top of the chamber and thus a level of vapor saturation much higher than usual is formed toward the bottom of the chamber. The author concludes that with the development of large particle accelerators, diffusion chambers were unable to keep pace with rate at which particles could be produced, and were gradually replaced by bubble chambers. If at anytime a crack has formed in the chamber and a leak forms, the supersaturation of the chamber is ruined as the alcohol visibly dissipates out of the chamber. A piece of cloth may then be used to rub the top of the chamber giving the top of the chamber a negative charge (this increases track visibility). The initial chamber consisted of a 10 gallon tank and a wooden base. Although these factors increase activity, at best the sensitive region is only three inches deep. Also this technique provides increased resolution and magnification, thus making beta tracks visible. Literature ReviewCloud chambers are very interesting in that they demonstrate first hand radiation trails emanating from an alpha source. Victor Vranz Hess,1 who discovered cosmic rays, theorizes that theses rays emanate from outer space.
Common topics in this essay:
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Ann Sankey7,
CTR Wilson,
Atomic Energy3,
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Vranz Hess1,
Jason Cassidy,
dry ice,
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black electrical tape,
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Acceptance Essays
