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In browsing the Internet I found a question that a physics
teacher asked and the answer provided by Jack Uretsky. This
was not found in in the Phys-L archive; the items are not
dated. I am pasting them for two reasons: (A) to show an
example of misunderstanding (this is not important,
questions are not always asked clearly) and (B) to show
how I understand the operation of a diffusion cloud chamber.
A) Note that the teacher was asking about a diffusion cloud
chamber while Jack's answer referred to an expansion cloud
chamber. Information about commercially available diffusion
cloud chambers can be found at:
<http://www.cloudchambers.com>
That gadget seems to be worth having; like a Geiger
counter a diffusion chamber shows that nuclear processes
are constantly occurring in our environment. Unlike old
expansion chambers they react to charged particles
constantly (rather than only for short intervals after
each expansion).
Question: I am a junior high Science teacher. For the
past two years I have tried to help my students build
cloud chambers. We use small plastic dishes with
black felt on the bottom and a black paper ring around
the inside edge. We use Coleman lantern mantles and
91% isopropyl alcohol. We place this in a Wendy's
salad container along with vermiculite and dry ice.