Diffusion Cloud Chamber
This demo needs to run for 15-20 minutes after setup is complete to see the tracks clearly. Alcohol contained in the wall-lining and on the bottom of the cloud chamber evaporates to create a nearly invisible cloud within the chamber. When different particles, cosmic rays, etc. pass through the vapor, the vapors surrounding the particle condense around the particle to show the path that it took through the chamber. With the current setup, alpha and beta particles can be observed from the Pb-210 source. Cosmic rays can also be observed using a rod that does not contain a radioactive source.
Equipment | Storage |
---|---|
Cloud chamber kit with power supply and water pump | 021-17B |
Camera and tripod | 017-10 |
HDMI cable and adapter for camera | Inside 017-24 |
Cover to block excess light for the camera | SW 008D |
Alcohol (Isopropyl or ethyl preferred) | |
Pb-210 source and cosmic ray rod | |
Cooler | |
Ice from UG labs (enough should be provided to last the lecture) and water to keep the chamber cool |