What are fog chambers?

Fog chambers are purpose-built enclosures for the detection of charged particles and radiation. A fog chamber is used in this activity to observe alpha and beta particles, the charged products of the radioactive decay of thorium 232.

What students will discover:

Inside a fog chamber, students will observe the condensation trails left by charged particles in their wake, and learn to identify these particles based on the characteristics of their trails. Cosmic rays also produce visible trails in the chamber, which can serve as an introduction to the presentation of cosmic rays and their deflection by the Earth’s magnetic field.

They will carry out calculations and write the radioactive decay equations. The implications of radiation for the ESA will be discussed, including its negative effects on electronic circuits and the use of radioactive decay as an energy source.

Students should already be familiar with the concepts of radioactive decay and the differences between alpha and beta radiation. This activity will give them a better understanding of the phenomenon through a concrete physical demonstration of radioactive decay.

Students will learn

• Fundamental particles
• Interactions between particles
• Atomic number, mass number
• Radiation and radioactive decay
• Radioactive decay as an energy source for space vehicles
• The negative effects of ionizing radiation on electronics
• Interactions between charged particles and magnetic fields
• Cosmic rays and their interactions with the atmosphere

Students will improve

• Their general experimental skills, including the proper use of equipment and the conduct and recording of observations.
• Communicating and discussing results using relevant questions to extend understanding and knowledge of a subject.
• Applying the knowledge they have acquired through experimental observations to solve theoretical problems.