Describe how the radiations emitted in a cloud chamber may be identified.

A cloud chamber is a device used to visualize the paths of ionizing radiation particles. The different types of radiation can be identified based on the characteristics of the tracks they leave in the cloud chamber. Here’s how you can identify various radiations:

Working Principle:

• Super-Saturated Vapor: The cloud chamber contains a super-saturated vapor, typically alcohol, which condenses upon contact with ionizing particles, forming visible tracks.
• Ionization: As radiation particles pass through the chamber, they ionize the vapor, creating tracks of tiny droplets along their path.

Identification of Radiation Types:

1. Alpha Particles (α)  produce thick, short, and straight tracks.
   • Reason: Alpha particles have high mass and charge, causing dense ionization along a short path. They also lose energy quickly and have limited penetration.
2. Beta Particles (β) produce thinner, longer, and often curved or zigzag tracks.
   • Reason: Beta particles are electrons or positrons with lower mass and charge compared to alpha particles. They are more deflected by collisions and travel longer distances.
3. Gamma Rays (γ) produce faint, thin tracks.
   • Reason: Gamma rays are high-energy photons with no charge, so they do not ionize directly. Their interaction produces secondary electrons which then ionize the vapor.

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