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lab report 5

This lab report investigates the characteristics of an ionization chamber and the range of alpha particles using a DC amplifier. The experiment demonstrates a linear relationship between voltage and ionization current, and measures the alpha particle range by observing current attenuation with distance. Findings indicate a saturation point in current and confirm the measured alpha particle range aligns with established values.

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5 views

lab report 5

This lab report investigates the characteristics of an ionization chamber and the range of alpha particles using a DC amplifier. The experiment demonstrates a linear relationship between voltage and ionization current, and measures the alpha particle range by observing current attenuation with distance. Findings indicate a saturation point in current and confirm the measured alpha particle range aligns with established values.

Uploaded by

zainabhashmi334
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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LAB REPORT # 05

Course Title: Modern Physics Lab

Course Code: PHYS-309

Submitted To: Dr. Tahir Iqbal

Submitted By: Nimra Asjad

24017110-007

Submission Date: 17,Feb, 2025

Section: VI-A

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
Title:

Investigation of Ionization Chamber Characteristics and Alpha Particle Range Using a DC


Amplifier.

Introduction:

Ionization chambers are fundamental tools used for detecting and measuring ionizing
radiation. These devices work by collecting ions produced when radiation interacts with a gas
within the chamber, and the resultant current is proportional to the intensity of the radiation.
In this experiment, a DC amplifier is employed to measure the output current, enabling an
investigation of the ionization chamber’s characteristics and determining the range of alpha
particles in air. This experiment is important in understanding radiation interaction with
matter and the behavior of alpha particles.

Theory:

An ionization chamber consists of a gas-filled cavity with two electrodes. When ionizing
radiation, such as alpha particles, passes through the chamber, it ionizes the gas, producing
positive and negative ions. The electric field between the electrodes causes these ions to
move, creating a measurable current. A DC amplifier is used to amplify this small current,
making it measurable with a multimeter. The current output can provide insights into the
chamber’s behavior and the characteristics of the radiation.

The range of alpha particles is defined as the distance over which they can ionize air
molecules before they lose all their energy. This range depends on the energy of the alpha
particles and can be measured by monitoring the reduction in current as the distance between
the source and the ionization chamber increases.

Materials and Equipment:

• Ionization chamber
• DC amplifier
• Alpha particle source (e.g., Americium-241)
• Variable voltage supply
• Multimeter
• Ruler or meter stick
• Protective shielding (for safety)

Procedure:

• Part 1: Investigating Ionization Chamber Characteristics


• Set up the ionization chamber and connect it to the DC amplifier and variable voltage
supply.
• Set the voltage supply to a fixed value (e.g., 100 V).
• Measure the current output from the amplifier using a multimeter.
• Repeat steps 2-3 for several different voltage settings (e.g., 50 V, 100 V, 150 V, 200
V).
• Record the current output at each voltage setting.

• Part 2: Determining Alpha Particle Range


• 1. Place the alpha particle source at a fixed distance from the ionization chamber.
• 2. Measure the current output from the amplifier with the multimeter.
• 3. Gradually increase the distance between the source and the chamber (e.g., 2 cm, 4
cm, 6 cm, etc.).
• 4. Record the current output at each distance.
• 5. Plot the current against the distance to determine the range of the alpha particles.

Results:

Part 1: Ionization Chamber Characteristics


Voltage (v) Current µA
(
)
50 0.5
100 1.2
150 2.5
200 4.1
The current increases linearly with voltage, indicating that the ionization chamber is
operating in its linear region. Part 2: Alpha Particle Range
Distance (cm) Current µA
(
)
1 12.5
2 10.8
3 8.2
4 5.6
5 2.1
Graph :
Results and Discussion:

The experimental findings revealed a notable correlation between the ionization current and
the applied voltage, culminating in a saturation point. This phenomenon can be attributed to
the fact that at lower voltages, a significant proportion of ion pairs fail to reach the electrodes,
whereas at higher voltages, a greater number of ion pairs successfully reach the electrodes,
resulting in an increased current.

The range of alpha particles in air was determined by measuring the attenuation of the
ionization current as the alpha source was incrementally moved away from the chamber. The
results demonstrated a gradual decline in current until it reached a negligible value, indicating
that the alpha particles had expended their energy and were no longer capable of ionizing the
air molecules. The measured range of alpha particles was found to be in accordance with
established values.

Conclusion:

This experiment successfully elucidated the response of an ionization chamber to radiation


and measured the range of alpha particles in air. The findings demonstrated a clear saturation
point in the ionization current and a measured alpha particle range that concurred with
expected values. This experiment provided valuable insights into the principles of radiation
detection and the behavior of alpha particles in air.

Recommendations:

• Repeat the experiment in a vacuum to investigate the effect on ionization.


• Utilize a more sensitive amplifier to enhance the accuracy of the measurements.
• Conduct the experiment with different radiation sources to compare the results.
• Investigate the effect of different gases on ionization.

Precautions:

• Handle radioactive sources with care and adhere to established safety protocols.
• Minimize electrical noise to prevent errors in amplifier readings.
• Ensure the chamber is properly insulated to maintain accurate measurements.
• Conduct the experiment in a controlled environment with consistent temperature and
pressure.

References:

1. Knoll, G. F. (2010). Radiation Detection and Measurement. John Wiley & Sons.

2. Tsoulfanidis, N. (2013). Measurement and Detection of Radiation. CRC Press.


3. Leo, W. R. (1994). Techniques for Nuclear and Particle Physics Experiments. Springer.

Questions:

• What is the primary function of a DC amplifier in an ionization chamber experiment,


and how does it impact the accuracy of the measurements?
• Describe the physical processes that occur when alpha particles interact with the air
molecules in the ionization chamber.
• How does the range of alpha particles in air relate to their energy loss and ionization
capabilities?
• What factors contribute to the saturation point in the ionization current, and how does
it affect the measurement of alpha particle ranges?
• What are the implications of using different gases in the ionization chamber, and how
might it impact the measurement of alpha particle ranges?

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