RE: Practical demonstration of a half-life

["Reynolds, Harold" <harold.reynolds@rfets.gov>]

If you have access to a simple frisker and a high volume air sampler (or
vacuum cleaner), pull a one or two minute sample at the beginning of the
presentation, put the frisker on the filter, and record the reading on the
board.  Then leave the frisker (with the speaker off) on the sample during
the presentation.  As the lecture progresses you can periodically refer to
the frisker reading and the audience can literally "see" the half-life.  If
you don't have an air sampler, wipe a TV screen-this should give you enough
activity to demonstrate half-life.

Harry
Harold.Reynolds@RFETS.gov

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Mark Hanlon [SMTP:MarkH%nch.edu.au@inet.rfets.gov]
> Sent:	Wednesday, April 28, 1999 7:42 AM
> To:	Multiple recipients of list
> Subject:	Practical demonstration of a half-life
> 
> Dear Colleagues,
> 
> I am looking for a good way to demonstrate the notion of a
> half-life to a group of staff who are not highly educated, and, in
> many cases, are from a non-English speaking background.
> 
> All of the demonstrations I have previously used, or seen used,
> have implied a reduction in volume as well as activity (even some
> very good graphics). 
> 
> With the usual budget constraints (i.e. no money), I need to find a
> good inexpensive way to illustrate reduction in activity, but not
> volume, with time.  Ideally, this demonstration would be very
> physical, capable of being "run" by an untrained volunteer under
> instruction.
> 
> Your suggestions/experiences will be welcome.  Please reply to me
> at the email address below, unless you believe your response will
> be of interest to the whole of Radsafe.  I'll summarise and post the
> useful or informative responses.
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Mark Hanlon,
> Radiation Safety Officer,
> The New Children's Hospital,
> P.O. Box 3515,
> PARRAMATTA, NSW, 2124
> Australia
> 
> Phone  61 2 9845 3324        Fax  61 2 9845 0831
> 
> email   markh@nch.edu.au
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