cloud chamber (?)
Inventory NumberRS1129
ClassificationEnclosure
Subject
Maker
American
Cultural Region
Dimensions6 x 15.3 x 21 cm, 3 lb. (2 3/8 x 6 x 8 1/4 in., 1.4 kg)
Material
AccessoriesRS0186, RS1128.
DescriptionCircular metal discs on one side on the other glass wall with plate cover clamped together by a metallic ring. Glass piece with 2 cut wires at top.
Signedunsigned.
FunctionThis appears to be the main component of a cloud chamber, an instrument to make visible the paths of individual atomic and subatomic particles in space.
The cloud chamber, also known as the Wilson chamber, is used for detecting particles of ionizing radiation. In its most basic form, a cloud chamber is a sealed environment containing a supercooled, supersaturated water or alcohol vapour. When an alpha particle or beta particle interacts with the mixture, it ionises it. The resulting ions act as condensation nuclei, around which a mist will form (because the mixture is on the point of condensation). The high energies of alpha and beta particles mean that a trail is left, due to many ions being produced along the path of the charged particle. These tracks have distinctive shapes (for example, an alpha particle's track is broad and straight, while an electron's is thinner and shows more evidence of deflection). When a vertical magnetic field is applied, positively and negatively charged particles will curve in opposite directions.
Excerpted from Wikipedia: Could Chamber.
The cloud chamber, also known as the Wilson chamber, is used for detecting particles of ionizing radiation. In its most basic form, a cloud chamber is a sealed environment containing a supercooled, supersaturated water or alcohol vapour. When an alpha particle or beta particle interacts with the mixture, it ionises it. The resulting ions act as condensation nuclei, around which a mist will form (because the mixture is on the point of condensation). The high energies of alpha and beta particles mean that a trail is left, due to many ions being produced along the path of the charged particle. These tracks have distinctive shapes (for example, an alpha particle's track is broad and straight, while an electron's is thinner and shows more evidence of deflection). When a vertical magnetic field is applied, positively and negatively charged particles will curve in opposite directions.
Excerpted from Wikipedia: Could Chamber.
ACME Apparatus Company
Date: 1930-1950
Accessories: handle; black cylindrical component; wrapping newspaper
Object number: 1997-1-0516
P. & R. Wittstock
Date: circa 1900
Accessories: mahogany case; 2 sunshades; dust cover
Object number: 5146a
English
Date: circa 1800
Accessories: Two insulated charge transfer wands.
Object number: 0014
See also/See also
