Electrons in bubble chamber photographs?

In summary, bubble chamber tracks are formed when charged particles pass through and knock electrons out of atoms, leaving a trail of ions. However, the knock-on electrons that are created need to have a significant amount of energy to be visible as separate tracks, resulting in straight lines in bubble chamber photographs instead of spirals. These straight lines may actually be curves of a very large radius, especially in the presence of a magnetic field. However, low-energy particles may have a small enough curve radius to not be visible. These particles, known as "delta rays," can sometimes be seen in bubble chamber experiments.
  • #1
bubblechamber
3
0
If bubble chamber tracks are formed by charged particles leaving a trail of ions as they pass through, by knocking electrons out of atoms, then why aren't there spirals of electrons along the whole track?

Also, are the straight lines in bubble chamber photographs actually curves of a very very large radius?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Low-energetic particles have a very small curve radius - too small to get resolved.
Also, are the straight lines in bubble chamber photographs actually curves of a very very large radius?
If there is a magnetic field, they should be curves.
 
  • #3
mfb said:
If there is a magnetic field, they should be curves.

So the straight lines are curves of very great momentum?
 
  • #4
I don't see a way to get a (theoretical) straight line. Just curves with really large radius.
Simple example: Muons from cosmic radiation usually have an energy larger than ~10GeV. With a magnetic field of 1T, this results in a radius of ~30m or more.
 
  • #5
Thank you very much!
 
  • #6
bubblechamber said:
If bubble chamber tracks are formed by charged particles leaving a trail of ions as they pass through, by knocking electrons out of atoms, then why aren't there spirals of electrons along the whole track?

These "knock-on" electrons need to gain a fairly large amount of energy in order to be visible as separate tracks. It does happen sometimes.

http://teachers.web.cern.ch/teachers/archiv/HST2005/bubble_chambers/BCwebsite/gallery/gal2_12.htm

They're also called "delta rays." I saw plenty of these while working on a bubble chamber experiment as a graduate student long ago.
 

FAQ: Electrons in bubble chamber photographs?

1. What is a bubble chamber photograph?

A bubble chamber photograph is a type of image used in particle physics experiments to capture the paths of subatomic particles, such as electrons. It is created by exposing a superheated liquid to a beam of particles, causing the particles to leave a trail of tiny bubbles as they pass through the liquid. These bubbles can then be photographed and analyzed to study the properties and behavior of the particles.

2. How are electrons identified in a bubble chamber photograph?

Electrons are identified in a bubble chamber photograph based on their distinctive path and behavior. As they travel through the liquid, they will leave a narrow, straight track with evenly spaced bubbles along it. They will also lose energy as they move, causing their track to curve slightly. By comparing the characteristics of the track to known electron behavior, scientists can confidently identify electrons in the photograph.

3. What can we learn from studying electrons in bubble chamber photographs?

Studying electrons in bubble chamber photographs can provide valuable insights into the fundamental nature of matter and the behavior of subatomic particles. By analyzing the patterns and characteristics of their tracks, scientists can learn about the properties of electrons, such as their mass, charge, and interactions with other particles. This information can then be used to further our understanding of the universe and its building blocks.

4. Can other particles besides electrons be observed in bubble chamber photographs?

Yes, bubble chamber photographs can capture the paths of a wide range of subatomic particles, including protons, neutrons, muons, and many others. Each type of particle will leave a distinct track in the liquid, allowing scientists to identify and study them individually. By examining the interactions between different particles, researchers can gain a better understanding of the fundamental forces that govern the behavior of matter.

5. How have bubble chamber photographs contributed to our understanding of the universe?

Bubble chamber photographs have played a crucial role in numerous breakthroughs and discoveries in the field of particle physics. They have helped scientists identify and study new particles, such as the Higgs boson, and have provided evidence for important theories, such as the Standard Model of particle physics. By allowing us to visualize and analyze the behavior of subatomic particles, bubble chamber photographs have greatly expanded our knowledge of the fundamental workings of the universe.

Similar threads

I Concentrated arcs in bubble chamber photos
Replies
2
Views
1K
How do the electrons enter the bubble chamber?
Replies
2
Views
1K
B Ionized trail in bubble chamber
Replies
8
Views
2K
Understanding bubble chamber tracks
Replies
2
Views
9K
A Fast electrons passing a beam of slow electrons at a right angle
Replies
2
Views
1K
B Where is the mistake -- violation of Heisenberg uncertainty
Replies
23
Views
3K
Need help- calculating clearing of bubbles from a microfluidic channel
Replies
4
Views
2K
Electronics Radioctivity: radiation detector with an LED
Replies
22
Views
4K
B Exploring Nuclear Fusion: IEC Fusion Reactor Construction and Operation
Replies
19
Views
4K
Fusion Plasma Trap: Capturing Neutral & Quasi-Neutral Plasmas
Replies
8
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top