The PHYWE Rutherford Experiment with MCA (Phywe Article No. P2522115) is a complete university-level nuclear physics apparatus that recreates Ernest Rutherford’s 1908 Nobel Prize-winning alpha-particle scattering experiment – the discovery that established the modern model of the atomic nucleus.
Using a semiconductor alpha detector with a detection probability of 1 and virtually no zero effect, students measure how alpha particles from a 370 kBq Am-241 source scatter off thin gold and aluminium foils, then compare the measured particle rates to the values predicted by Rutherford’s scattering equation. The Chadwick-style backscattering geometry inside a transparent glass vacuum chamber allows the scattering angle to be varied continuously from roughly 20 degrees to 145 degrees by shifting the foil and source along the chamber axis. The combination of multichannel analyser (MCA), preamplifier and alpha detector produces precise pulse-height spectra and clean counting statistics across the full angular range.
Experiment tasks:
– Measure particle rates at scattering angles between about 20 and 90 degrees and compare the measurements to the rates calculated from Rutherford’s theory.
– Measure particle rates for gold and aluminium foils at identical scattering angles and compare the ratio to Rutherford’s prediction.
Learning objectives: scattering, angle of scattering, impact parameter, central force, Coulomb field, Coulomb forces, Rutherford atomic model, and the identity of atomic number and nuclear charge.
Recommended for grades 10-13 and university physics laboratories. Experiment time: approximately 45 minutes. Difficulty: advanced. Software included; computer not provided. The radioactive Am-241 source is export-controlled – an End Use Certificate must be obtained before delivery.
Scope of delivery: PHYWE Multichannel Analyser (MCA) 13727-99; measure Software multi channel analyser 14452-61; Alpha detector 09100-00; Annular diaphragm with gold foil 09103-02; Annular diaphragm with aluminium foil 09103-03; U-magnet, U-shaped, limb length 130 mm, colored poles 06320-00; Radioactive source Am-241, 370 kBq 09090-11; Pre-amplifier for alpha detector 09100-10; Diaphragm pump, two stage, 220V 08163-93; Tubing connector Y-shape, ID 6-7 mm 47518-02; Pinchcock, width 20 mm 43631-20; Screened cable BNC, l = 1 m 07542-11 (qty 3); Vacuum gauge DVR 2 pro, 1 … 1000 hPa 34171-00; Vacuum tube NBR, 6/14 mm, 1 m 39289-00 (qty 2); Container for nuclear physics experiments 09103-00.
Item P2522115
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