Change the unit for the Electric Field from V to kV by clicking once above the u

Question

Change the unit for the Electric Field from V to kV by clicking once above the unit. Observe the spot as you increase the Electric Field strength from 0 kV to 5 kV. The movement is slight so pay careful attention.

1. Which direction is the spot moved when you increase the Electric Field? The spot moves right

2. How does this compare with the direction of movement for the electron beam in the Electric Field?

3. Why does it take significantly stronger magnetic and electric field strengths to move the beam of alpha particles compared with the beam of electrons (beta particles)?

Return the values on the two meters to zero. Double-click (or click and drag) the alpha source and the phosphor screen to return them to the Stockroom counter. Enter the Stockroom. Double-click on the alpha source and the phosphor screen to place them on the shelf. Select the laser and the video camera by double-clicking on them, and then click on the green Return to Lab arrow to return to the lab. Place the laser in the center spotlight on the left and turn the laser on (click on the red/green light). Place the video camera on the center spotlight on the right and click the video camera to turn it on. Set the laser intensity to 1 nW and the wavelength to 20 nm. This wavelength is in the x-ray region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The purple dot is a representation of the x-rays hitting the video camera. Change the Electric Field and Magnetic Field to determine the effect on the x-rays.

1. Did the electric or magnetic fields affect the x-rays? Why or why not?

2. Summarize what you have learned about electrons (beta particles), alpha particles, and x-rays.

Explanation / Answer

yes they effect the X rays because they rae perpendicular to each other

The alpha particle is the heaviest. It is produced when the heaviest elements decay. Alpha and beta rays are not waves. They are high-energy particles that are expelled from unstable nuclei. In the case of alpha radiation, the energy The particles leave the nucleus . The alpha particle is an helium atom and contains two neutrons and two protons. It leaves the nucleus of an unstable atom at a speed of 16,000 kilometres per second, around a tenth the speed of light. The alpha particles is relatively large and heavy. As a result, alpha rays are not very penetrating and are easily absorbed. A sheet of paper or a 3-cm layer of air is sufficient to stop them. Its energy is transferred within a short distance to the surrounding media. However, its short flight knocks about 450,000 electrons out of the surrounding atoms. The alpha particle emitter will not penetrate the outer layer of our skin, but is dangerous if inhaled or swallowed. The delicate internal workings of the living cell forming the lining of the lungs or internal organs, most certainly will be changed (mutated) or killed outright by the energetic alpha particle. The number of lung cancer cases among uranium miners from inhaled and ingested alpha sources is much higher than those of the public at large. Radon, the gas produced by the decay of radium-226, also emits alpha particles, which poses a hazard to lungs and airways when inhaled. Homes built in areas with high ground radioactivity should be tested for radon buildup in enclosed basement spaces.

BETA PARTICLES

Beta rays are much lighter energy particles. The beta particle is an energetic electron given off by the nucleus of unstable isotopes to restore an energy balance. They leave the nucleus at a speed of 270,000 kilometres per second. They can be stopped, for instance, by an aluminium sheet a few millimetres thick or by 3 metres of air. The RS-500 can detect most energetic beta particles through the case. Weaker beta particles can be detected through the tube window. Although the beta particle is around 8000 times smaller than the alpha particle, it is capable of penetrating much deeper into living matter. Each encounter with a living cell, and there may be many before the beta energy is dissipated, is likely to dam age some of the chemical links between the living molecules of the cell or cause some permanent genetic change in the cell nucleus. If the damage occurs within the generative cells of the ovaries or testes, the damage may be passed to new generations. The normal background radiation level must contribute to the mutation of the gene pool. Most mutations are undesirable with a very few leading to "improvements". Any increase in the background level of radiation should be considered harmful.

GAMMA RAYS

The next "particle" is the very high energy "X-ray" called the gamma ray. It is an energetic photon or light wave in the same electromagnetic family as light and x-rays, but is much more energetic and harmful. It is capable of damaging living cells as it slows down by transferring its energy to surrounding cell components. The RS-500 detects energetic gamma rays through the case walls. Gamma ray sources are used to find flaws in pipes and vessels and to check the integrity of welds in steel.

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