Abstract

This set of experiments looks at the different aspects of ${\beta }^{-}$ and ${\beta }^{+}$ decay in common radioactive isotopes including Na-22, Cs-137, Co-60 and Sr-90. Two different energy spectroscopy methods are demonstrated and used to draw conclusion about the interaction of gamma rays with matter and beta particles with magnetic fields

Theory

Following the decay schemes of common radioactive isotopes including Na-22, Co-60, Cs-137, Am-241 and Sr-90 we will explore the nature of beta decay using two different spectroscopic methods. We will examine the interaction between gamma rays and matter by looking at the different attenuation coefficients of different materials and kinetic energies comparing our values to ones found in literature.

The spectra of radioactive sources will also be used to visualise and explain the effects of phenomena such as Compton Scattering and Internal conversion. Additionally, the behaviour of both ${\beta }^{+}$ and ${\beta }^{-}$ particles under a magnetic field of variable strength will be used to find an energy spectrum letting us find the kinetic energies available for the decays In the following experiments we will look at beta decay schemes which result in the emission of $\beta$ particles and gamma rays due to the isotopes being unstable.