Sarah Markham and Jillian Cola

Abstract:

A Cloud Chamber is a machine that allows people to see the tracks of charged particles in alcohol vapor due to radioactive decay. The chamber creates an environment that reaches a temperature low enough that the radiation trails become visible. Usually, this is done via the use of dry ice, which is cold enough to produce the environment needed. However, in our models, we utilized Peltier modules, which are more manageable and accessible to other people. They also allow those who may not have access to dry ice to still successfully build a chamber. Our mission was to create a Cloud Chamber model that was accessible to anyone who wished to build one, regardless of experience. Using the work of previous students, we were able to develop our model and use our experience to create clear and precise instructions for the chamber. In this presentation, we go over the changes we made to previous models and instructions to improve upon them, as well as share our perspectives as two individuals new to this field of research.