Calculating pressure / energy difference confusion

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating electron density and energy differences for a gas layer, specifically using pressure data to derive average energy and pressure differences in a Matlab environment. The user expresses confusion about the lab script and the calculations required, particularly regarding the pressure difference needed for analysis. They have compiled data tables for Helium and air but seek clarity on the specific calculations and plotting required for their Bragg plot. The goal is to compare experimental data with theoretical curves based on energy loss equations. Overall, the user is struggling with the complexity of the assignment while attempting to understand the necessary steps to complete it.
Farang
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Homework Statement



The electron density per area, ##N## for a gas layer of thickness 10 cm can be determined
$$n = k \times p \times 2.47 \times 10^{19}$$
For each adjacent sets of pressure data using Matlab, calculate the average energy in keV, the pressure difference in hPa, the energy difference in keV and then evaluate ##-\frac{\Delta E}{\Delta p}## in keV/hPa. Plot this as a function of the average energy, along with the theoretical energy loss, that can be calculated using analysis based on equation
$$-\frac{dE}{dx}=\frac{4\pi n Z^{2}}{m_{e}v^{2}} \left ( \frac{e^{2}}{4 \pi \epsilon_{0}} \right )^{2} ln\left ( \frac{2m_{e}v^{2}}{I} \right )$$
Using ##\mu = \frac{m_{e}}{m_{He}} = \frac{511 keV}{3.727 GeV} = 1.371 \times 10^{-4}## and ##Z = 2##.
$$-\frac{dE}{dx}=\frac{2\pi Z^{2}}{\mu E} \frac{N(p)}{p} \left ( \frac{e^{2}}{4 \pi \epsilon_{0}^{2}} \right )^{2} ln\left ( \mu \frac{4E}{I} \right )$$
$$-\frac{dE}{dp}=\frac{k}{E} \times 2.41\times10^{-29} \frac{J^{2}}{hPa} \times ln\left ( 5.848\times10^{-4} \frac{E}{I} \right )$$
which can be written in an equivalent form
$$-\frac{dE}{dp}=\frac{k}{E} \times 940 \frac{keV^{2}}{hPa} \times ln\left ( 5.848\times10^{-4} \frac{E}{I} \right )$$
which is suitable for the creation of a theoretical curve that can be compared to the experimental data by plotting them on the same axes.

You need to present your data in the form of a Bragg plot, which shows both
the energy and differential energy loss as a function of pressure, as shown by the exemplar data in figure 3.2

Homework Equations


All above...

The Attempt at a Solution



Following the lab script has always been the most difficult part of the course for me for some reason. Often I can't figure out what is that I am supposed to do or even what I've just done. Perhaps someone here will be able to make sense of this...

So far I have 2 tables(one for Helium and one for air) with 4 rows each(Max # of impulses, Energy(keV), Average energy(keV) and Pressure(mbar)).

How / why / between what pressure difference does it want me to calculate?
 
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