Up in the Clouds: Detecting Nuclear Radiation—ChemTopic™ Lab Activity

A cloud chamber is a device for detecting low levels of nuclear radiation. Passing ionizing radiation through a chamber saturated with vapor leaves a trail of liquid droplets in its wake. With the Up in the Clouds: Detecting Nuclear Radiation—ChemTopic™ Lab Activity, compare the “condensation trails” of alpha, beta and gamma radiation in a cloud chamber that consists of a clear container with lid, blotting paper and a radioactive source (a lantern mantle).