A bubble chamber is a device used by physicists to analyze the motion and charac
ID: 2303558 • Letter: A
Question
A bubble chamber is a device used by physicists to analyze the motion and characteristics of subatomic particles. When the particles travel through the chamber, they leave trails of bubbles behind them which shows the paths they take. The chamber is also placed inside a very strong magnetic field, so that the scientists can tell the difference between charged and neutral objects. Below is a diagram of two different isotopes that were placed in a bubble chamber.
Based on the paths made by the particles they emitted, four different physicists tried to Identify which type of decay each isotope performed: Which scientist correctly identified the the decay of each isotope with the proper reasoning?
1)
Scientist A: "Isotope A experienced gamma decay because the particle traveled in a broad straight line and was only slightly affected by the magnetic field. This shows that the particle must be charged and have a large mass. Isotope B experienced beta decay because the particle emitted was very strongly affected by the magnetic field causing it to spiral. This shows that the particle must be charged and is very light."
2)
Scientist B: "Isotope A experienced beta decay because the particle traveled in a broad straight line and was only slightly affected by the magnetic field. This shows that the particle must have a charge and is very light. Isotope B experienced alpha decay because the particle emitted was very strongly affected by the magnetic field causing it to spiral. This shows that the particle must be charged and have a large mass ."
3)
Scientist D:"Isotope A experienced gamma decay because the particle traveled in a broad straight line and was only slightly affected by the magnetic field. This shows that the particle must have a charge and is very light. Isotope B experienced alpha decay because the particle emitted was very strongly affected by the magnetic field causing it to spiral. This shows that the particle must be charged and have a large mass ."
4)
Scientist C:"Isotope A experienced alpha decay because the particle traveled in a broad straight line and was only slightly affected by the magnetic field. This shows that the particle must be charged and have a large mass. Isotope B experienced beta decay because the particle emitted was very strongly affected by the magnetic field causing it to spiral. This shows that the particle must be charged and is very light."
1)
Scientist A: "Isotope A experienced gamma decay because the particle traveled in a broad straight line and was only slightly affected by the magnetic field. This shows that the particle must be charged and have a large mass. Isotope B experienced beta decay because the particle emitted was very strongly affected by the magnetic field causing it to spiral. This shows that the particle must be charged and is very light."
2)
Scientist B: "Isotope A experienced beta decay because the particle traveled in a broad straight line and was only slightly affected by the magnetic field. This shows that the particle must have a charge and is very light. Isotope B experienced alpha decay because the particle emitted was very strongly affected by the magnetic field causing it to spiral. This shows that the particle must be charged and have a large mass ."
3)
Scientist D:"Isotope A experienced gamma decay because the particle traveled in a broad straight line and was only slightly affected by the magnetic field. This shows that the particle must have a charge and is very light. Isotope B experienced alpha decay because the particle emitted was very strongly affected by the magnetic field causing it to spiral. This shows that the particle must be charged and have a large mass ."
4)
Scientist C:"Isotope A experienced alpha decay because the particle traveled in a broad straight line and was only slightly affected by the magnetic field. This shows that the particle must be charged and have a large mass. Isotope B experienced beta decay because the particle emitted was very strongly affected by the magnetic field causing it to spiral. This shows that the particle must be charged and is very light."
Strong Magnetic Field pointing out of page O Isotope A Strong Magnetic Field pointing out of page O Isotope BExplanation / Answer
The conclusion drawn by Scientist C is correct. Isotope A is slightly deflected in the presence of strong magnetic field. As Gamma Rays are neutral, they are not deflected by the field, so isotope A is not emitting Gamma ray. Alpha particles are heavy and hence they are slightly deflected. So, Isotope A is undergoing alpha decay and has heavy mass. However, Isotope B is undergoing beta decay because in beta decay, electron is emitted and it is highly deflected by the magnetic filed due to it's light mass. As the particle is going into spiral, this confirms heavy deflection and so, Isotope B is having beta decay and have low mass.
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