Cheers for LABRats from Australia

Hi Dr Shawn,

As a school lab tech who runs a science club for students, I have found your experiments and explanations terrific. Your explanations are clear, with simple everyday experiences used to relate to the children. I haven't currently completed the experiments but will use them in the future with the science club.

The science club is currently working on a series of simple demonstrations to perform during Science Week (Australia) 12-20 August 2006. We are doing a series of demonstrations using sheets of
typing paper (we look at concepts of shape strength and the moebius strip) and bubble mix (how bubbles are formed and how to make different sizes and make them last). It should go well.

Once again thank you for your wonderfully explained LABRats sessions.

Cheers,

Tammie Saunders
Scientific Assistant
Roma State College, Australia

A Question About Radiation Detection...

Dr. Carlson,

Can I measure the average energy of a beta source with an ionization chamber connected to a high impedance op-amp? Of course, I get an output, but I want to find a way to interpret the output.
I don't expect you to search for an answer, but wonder if you could point me to a source where I might find whatever equations or calibrations I would need to do it. (I just want the average, so I don't need to build a big beta-ray spectrometer.)

Thank-you!

Sincerely,

Tim Kraemer

Dear Tim,

The best resource I know on this subject is a book called "Radiation Detection and Measurement" by Glenn F. Knoll. My copy was printed by Wiley back in 1979, when I was a junior in college, and you can probably find it in any well stocked physics library.

Ion chambers are a deep and wonderful subject. The answer you get will depend on many factors, including the type of gas you use in your chamber. So I strongly advise you to consult a comprehensive resource, like Knoll.

I hope this helps!

Shawn Carlson, Ph.D.

Readers: The Citizen Scientist has been looking for articles on radiation detection. If you can prepare such an article, or if you know of a good online site that covers this topic, please send a note here. Thanks. Editor.

Still More Help for a Magnetic Field Project

Editor,

When I needed some mu metal for a project I found it at http://www.fairradio.com/

I purchased a surplus CRT shield and cut it apart. Cost was $18. When I checked they still had them.

Al Rydberg

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