Alpha particles have a range of about 6cm or 7cm in air at normal atmospheric pressure. This is because the kinetic energy of the alpha particle is continually being transferred to air molecules due to collisions between the alpha particles and the air molecules.

Design an experiment to investigate how the range of alpha particles in air is affected by the air pressure. Name the alpha particle detector you would use. List the other apparatus that would be required and explain how you would use it in performing th experiment. Pay particular attention to any safety precautions which should be taken.

What apparatus do you usually use to determine nuclear radiation?

How can you change pressure?

Change pressure using a valve system
A silicon based detector is usually used to detect ionized particles

Okay, so now, can you think about a way to design the experiment using these and the usual other apparatus in a lab?

No... that's the whole point of me asking

Come on, we're not here to do your homework, but to help you.

1. You can record the radiation.
2. You can vary the air pressure.

Couple of questions which, if you can answer too, can help you:
- How will you get alpha particles?
- What are you investigating and taking recordings? (length? Amount of alpha particles? Pressure?)
- How are you going to prevent air from the atmosphere to interfere with the air pressure you're using?

Experiment determining the range of alpha particles in air

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by purplechic29

Alpha particles have a range of about 6cm or 7cm in air at normal atmospheric pressure. this is because the kinetic energy of the alpha particle is continually being transferred to air molecules due to collisions between the alpha particles and the air molecules.

design an experiment to investigate how the range of alpha particles in air is affected by the air pressure. Name the alpha particle detector you would use. List the other apparatus that would be required and explain how you would use it in performing th experiment. Pay particular attention to any safety precautions which should be taken.

---