Determine the penetrating power and the range in air of the three radioactive emissions (Plutonium 239 for alpha, Strontium 90 for beta and Cobalt 60 for gamma).
Aim To determine the penetrating power and the range in air of the three radioactive emissions (Plutonium 239 for alpha, Strontium 90 for beta and Cobalt 60 for gamma). Method 1 The apparatus were set up as in the diagram below to measure the range in air up to 50 cm for each source. Before the experiment took place the background radiation was measured as 80 counts in 5 minutes therefore 16 counts per minute. Experimental precautions were: The radioactive source is aligned with a ruler to the GM tube as accurately as possible so that the maximum radiation is measured A set square was used to measure the exact point at which the source and tube were placed The counter was reset each time so the counter read zero so this would reduce zero error in the experiment and the hold button was pressed to freeze the measurement Thirty seconds were left between the start of the count and the recording so the reading would be less instantaneous and more reliable Everything was kept constant for all three experiments and the counts were recorded at regular intervals of 5 cm. Safety precautions included removing the sources from a secure wooden box using thongs and tweezers and placed in plasticene, the set square was held using thongs and all those carrying out the experiment stood behind the source to minimise any direct radiation exposure. Method 2 The equipment was set up
The primary objective of this experiment is to familiarize with the use of an infrared spectrophotometer. In this experiment, we are to examine the spectra regions of solid and liquid samples.
Name: Neo Qing Hao Class: DBT/2B/21 Admission No. : 0208725 Date of Experiment: 20 August 2003 Basic Instrumental Analysis (CP4009) Experiment 5: Infrared Spectroscopy . Synopsis The primary objective of this experiment is to familiarize with the use of an infrared spectrophotometer. In this experiment, we are to examine the spectra regions of solid and liquid samples. Mull technique was used to prepare solid samples and Pellet technique was used to prepare liquid samples. The spectra bands are very important information as it allows chemists to differentiate different functional groups and the concentration of the sample can also be determined from it. By using the correlation chart, we can identify the functional groups. In the prospect of handling infrared spectrophotometer, the most important part will be the sample cells. This is due to the sensitivity of the cells and the specificity of the types of cells. 2. Introduction Infra-red spectroscopy originate from changes in the vibrational motion of atoms about their mean bond positions associated with the changes in the rotation of the molecule, thus it is also called vibration-rotation spectroscopy. Infrared spectroscopy is a very useful technique used for the identification of functional groups in organic samples. The absorption peaks are sharper than in ultraviolet or visible regions, and thus easier to
Gamma rays.
The last part of the known spectrum is the gamma rays region. Gamma-rays have the smallest wavelengths and the most energy of any other wave in the electromagnetic spectrum. These waves are generated by radioactive atoms and in nuclear explosions. Gamma-rays can kill living cells, a fact which medicine uses to its advantage, using gamma-rays to kill cancerous cells Gamma-rays travel to us across vast distances of the universe, only to be absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere. Different wavelengths of light penetrate the Earth's atmosphere to different depths. Instruments aboard high-altitude balloons and satellites provide our only view of the gamma-ray sky Gamma-rays are the most energetic form of light and are produced by the hottest regions of the universe. They are also produced by such violent events as supernova explosions or the destruction of atoms. Neutron stars and pulsars, and black holes are all sources of celestial gamma-rays. Long before experiments could detect gamma-rays emitted by cosmic sources, scientists had known that the Universe should be producing such high energy photons. Hard work by several brilliant scientists had shown us that a number of different processes which were occurring in the Universe would result in gamma-ray emission. In the 1960s, we finally developed the ability to actually detect these emissions. This did not develop until it was
Should more nuclear power stations be built in Britain?
Should more nuclear power stations be built in Britain? CONTENTS Introduction 3 Nuclear energy 3 Nuclear power station 4 Advantages 5 Disadvantages 5 Argument 5 Conclusion 6 References 6 Introduction: The UK relies on atomic energy for nearly 20% of its electricity. The government didn't seem that interested in building new reactors as no reactors have been built since the 1980s this is because of accidents, spiralling decommissioning costs and the problem of nuclear waste. But with high oil and gas prices, fossil fuel reserves running out and pressure to tackle climate change, the government has renewed its support for nuclear power. It is backing a new generation of atomic power stations because it believes they provide the necessary security of supply while helping reduce carbon emissions. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/guides/456900/456932/html/default.stm So my case study asks the question do we really need to build more in this country. I will do research to find the best answer. Nuclear energy: Nuclear energy requires less fuel to work than fossil fuels but it
Radiation Experiment
Radiation Experiment AIM: o To explore the properties of radiation o To examine how the intensity of the radiation measured depends on the distance from the source to the detector and on shielding placed between the source and the detector o To examine the differences between alpha beta and gamma radiation SAFETY PRECAUTIONS o Radioactive materials must be handled and stored safely o Use tongues to handle the radioactive materials o Don't point the radioactive material towards other people o The voltage used for GM tube is high. Therefore do not touch the back of the instrument o Wash your hands thoroughly after the experiment METHOD o Natural radiation exists around us. If we want to study radiation we first need to measure this "background radiation" that is always present and subtract its effects from our results. We will use the Geiger-Mueller detector to count the average background radiation. o Observing the effect of distance on intensity: Measure the distance from the entrance of the detector to the radioactive source. Use the equipment to count the amount of radiation detected in one minute. Repeat this for different distances, and for all three radioactive sources, (alpha, beta and gamma). Always subtract the background radiation. o Observing the effects of shielding on radiation: This time the distance Take a measurement. This represents the
is nuclear power sustainable
Nuclear P Is it sustainable? By Callum O'Connor 10A 1N Introduction Nuclear power has not been around for very long and yet we now question its ability to provide us with what we need; Its performance is not what we are questioning but the sustainability and the environmental impact it has on the planet. More and more nuclear power plants are being built and more and more plants that being dismantled. The money needed for both assembling and disassembling power plants is beyond extreme, can the world really continue on acting in this way. Throughout this case study I will be looking at the benefits and drawbacks of nuclear power, the critical dates in history that led to what we now have and the dangers of nuclear power but the core issue that must be stressed, that must be recognized as a priority, is questioning if nuclear power is sustainable? Nuclear energy explained There are two types of nuclear power, Fission and fusion, however the process used in power plants is Fission, this involves a neutron hitting a fissionable atom (usually the isotope Uranium 235 is used) causing it to become very unstable breaking apart and releasing more neutrons which also break apart more uranium atoms which do the same, this is know as a chain reaction [1i], The diagram shows this, Control rods (far right) help to control the reaction, they stop the neutrons in their path, these
Keeping Hot Drinks Hot.
Science Investigation - Keeping Hot Drinks Hot Analysis From my results, I can tell that the best insulator in the experiment is Polystyrene. The worst insulator in the test was aluminium. The polystyrene is a very good insulator because it has several air pocket which keep heat in. Air is a good insulator of heat, which helps keep object warm. In this test, aluminium foil is the worst insulator. Metals are good conductors and are not good insulators. Aluminium foil is a metal therefore, it would be likely for it to be one of the worst insulators. The heat is lost due to conduction. This is when particles get heated and start to move rapidly. The particles bump into each other, causing the heat to move along the metal. This is taking the heat away from the original object. A Diagram To Show Conduction Convection is also present in this experiment. In the beaker, there is a space between the top of the beaker where it is covered and where the water starts. Here there would be a convection current. A convection current is when air is heated, it then expands and floats upwards. Cooler air then moves into its place. An Example of A Convection Current The student's hypothesis is wrong. Aluminium foil was actually the worst insulator in the experiment. I can understand why the student thought this because she says, "in hospitals, aluminium foil is used to cover
Should mobile phone masts be sited near schools?
Should mobile phone masts be sited near schools? In the past few years an increasing number of mobile phone masts and bases have been set up in the UK in densely populated areas, some very close to schools. This has been causing much worry and media coverage recently, because the effects of the radiation from these masts may cause brain damage. It has been particularly reported because children are still growing, so potential threats to their health and well being are taken very seriously. Research from the Australian Health Research Institute (3) indicates that because of billions of times more radiation emitted by mobile phone masts (and other devices) "will make almost one-third of world population (about two billions) patient of ear, eye and brain cancer beside other major body disorders like heart ailments, impotency, migraine, epilepsy." They have also reported that the tissues of children are tender, and so much more likely to be affected by anything wireless, and so should be discouraged from using a mobile phone. Mobile phone radiation has also been linked to suicides, says evidence from Dr Roger Coghill, who sits on a Government advisory committee on mobile radiation. He has found that all 22 young people that have committed suicide who live in Bridgend in South Wales lived closer than normal to mobile phone masts. The proximity of masts has been linked to
My Holiday In India.
My Holiday In India I was really excited because it was the first time that I was going on a plane. I was also very tired because it was three o'clock in the morning, I had been out all night (Saturday) and I had no sleep all day which did not help when I to go to Heathrow airport, which would take two to three hours to get there. We got to the airport and we were running a bit late because there was an accident on the M1 involving four cars and there was also road works, which slowed us down even more. Our flight was for half past eight in the morning. We got to the airport between half past six and seven o'clock. We landed in Mumbai and it was boiling hot and I could not stand it. From the airport we took a taxi to our hotel. The hotel was really good, when you needed something all you had to do was press this button by your bedside and there will be a person at your service in matter of seconds. The bad part was whenever you see them they will want a tip. That night we went out to celebrate the festival, Navrati. This festival, Navrati lasts for nine days. At the place they were serving some really strong stuff called Pang, you would drink this but it made you feel drunk. It looked like green milk, but this liquid had marijuana init so I was allowed it. It was celebrated in the streets, unlike England, where it is celebrated in big halls. The music was
Christie hospital.
Christie hospital Physics can also be used for medical purposes as we found out when we visited Christie hospital. There I saw how a gamma camera and ultrasound work. A gamma camera has two main uses; one of them is to treat cancer and the other is to diagnose medical conditions. Gamma rays are very penetrating and are able to ionise cells. This is why gamma materials should be treated with great care because they are not good for healthy cells. However cancer cells are mutating and dividing out of control, if the gamma radiation is directed at these cells it can be used to destroy this tumour. A gamma source is added to another chemical to carry it into and around the body. The gamma rays emitted are detected by the gamma camera and a picture of the inside of the body is formed. For example, if there is a blockage in a particular organ, the gamma source will not get to that part of the body and this will show up on the gamma camera scan. A gamma camera The bone scan shows up arthritic joints Patients who are going to have this sort of treatment are injected with a radioactive drug depending on * The type of radiation * The energy of the radiation * The organ to be studied or treated * The rate of radioactive decay * The rate of clearance from the body The most commonly used isotope is technetium-99m, which emits gamma rays with energy of 140keV. This isotope has a
