Re: Cloud chamber Source- id

[SAFarberMSPH@CS.COM]

I'm not sure if this was the only source used in cloud chambers but a 

description of one from a google search notes the the source used  was Pb-210 

or sometimes Po. See:


http://schmoker.dhs.org/earth_science/John's%20Labs/understandingplasma.html


Stewart Farber

Public Health Sciences

email: SAFarberMSPH@cs.com

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Excerpt:

The cloud chambers consist of a plastic case with a blotter soaked in 

alcohol. Inserted into the chamber is a needle with a small amount of 

radioactive material at its end. The radioactive material is a heavy form of 

lead (Pb-210). The whole chamber is cooled on a block of dry ice causing the 

air in the chamber to be saturated with alcohol vapors.