An apparatus that uses readily available material to measure the relativistic mass increase of beta particles from a radioactive source is described. Although the most accurate analysis uses curve fitting or a Kurie plot, students may just use the raw data and a simple calculation to verify the relativistic mass increase.
REFERENCES
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See for example, Kenneth S. Krane, Introductory Nuclear Physics (Wiley, New York, 1988), pp. 280–284.
7.
Supplied by Spectrum Techniques.
8.
LND model 72240.
9.
Magnets are available from Adams Magnetic Products (34 Industrial Way, East, Eatontown, NJ 07724, 〈www.adams-magnetic.com〉, and from Magnetic Component Engineering (23145 Kashiwa Court, Yorrance, CA 90505, 〈www.magneticcomponent.com〉).
10.
See for example, Kenneth S. Krane, Introductory Nuclear Physics (Wiley, New York, 1988), p. 203.
11.
See, for example, James E. Turner, Atoms, Radiation, and Radiation Protection (Wiley, New York, 1995), 2nd ed., p. 145.
12.
A BF. W. Bell 4048 Hand Held Gauss/Tesla meter was used for these data.
13.
Graphical Analysis by Vernier Software.
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© 2003 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2003
American Association of Physics Teachers
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