Re: Practical demonstration of a half-life

["Ronald Frick" <RFRICK@gammacorp.com>]

One method which just came to mind (so I haven't actually tried it yet), would be to relate probability of decay to winning the lottery.  Audience members are each a radioactive atom, each with an equal probability of winning (decaying) and becoming a millionaire (daughter product).  The probablility of winning depends on the number of digits that must be guessed.  Since everyone has the same probability of winning, the rate at which someone wins depends on the number playing.  For example, picking a number between 1 and 10.  Out of 100 players, 10 should win (on average).  Once someone wins, they can no longer play.  The next drawing should have about 9 winners, etc.  It should take about 7 drawings until half of the original players have won.  With small groups, the numbers may not work out as well for an actual demonstration, but just the discussion may help some to understand the probability involoved by relating it to the lottery, which most people understand.

Ron Frick
rfrick@gammacorp.com

>>> Mark Hanlon <MarkH@nch.edu.au> April 28, 1999 3:38:58 AM >>>
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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