Nuclear Physics Topic

Measures the beta decay of Pa-234m (half-life 1.17 minutes) in real time using a Geiger-Mueller tube. Students observe exponential decay directly by plotting count rate vs. time and extracting the …

Demonstrates that repeated measurements of radioactive decay counts follow a Gaussian distribution, illustrating that individual quantum events are random but ensemble behavior is statistically predictable. Shows the Poisson-to-Gaussian transition and …

Models runaway nuclear fission using mousetraps as uranium atoms and corks as neutrons. Dropping a single cork into the array triggers an exponential chain reaction, illustrating critical mass and neutron …

Demonstrates detection of ionizing radiation with a Geiger-Müller counter. Students hear the random clicking of decay events, observe the difference between background and source count rates, and see that radioactive …

Demonstrates semiconductor radiation detection using a surface barrier detector. Students learn how ionizing radiation creates electron-hole pairs in silicon, producing electrical pulses proportional to particle energy, and why solid-state detectors …

Charged particles leave visible condensation trails in supersaturated alcohol vapor, allowing direct observation of alpha particles, beta particles, and cosmic ray muons. Students see how particle mass, charge, and energy …