Chadwick's neutron detector

Made:: 1932 in Cambridge

maker:: Science Museum

Chadwick's neutron chamber (replica) used in his experiment to

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Chadwick's neutron chamber (replica) used in his experiment to
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Chadwick's neutron chamber (replica) used in his experiment to discover the neutron.

This detector was used by James Chadwick (1891-1974) in his discovery of the neutron. Inside the detector, particles from a radioactive source hit a beryllium target. From the force of this impact, neutrons were given off, and could only be detected when they dislodged protons from a piece of paraffin wax. Chadwick's theories and experiments helped to rewrite existing beliefs concerning what was contained in the nucleus of an atom.

Details

Category:: Nuclear Physics

Object Number:: 1974-562

Materials:: brass, wood, sealing wax, aluminium and complete

Measurements:: : mm

type:: neutron detector and replica

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