Cosmic Enthusiasts
My institution holds an Early AP program starting August 20, 2012. To excite my students about Physics I showed the Youtube video “Small Matter and Big Science” (short film).
Manju P.
The Cosmic Enthusiasts
Our Question: Are cosmic radiation levels higher during the day than at night?
Scintillator Similar to One Used
Problems with the Scintillator
It should be noted that we had these problems with the scintillator…
during the in-class experiment… a loose upper paddle
073112 4:00 PM.When beginning the experiment… a lower paddle that didn't work..
2nd device obtained…A lower paddle that didn't work after 3 trials… continued with upper paddle reading
073112 9:00 PM After 3 trials the upper paddle began taking data at a much quicker rate. Continued taking 10 trials. Then switched to coincidence. Took 4 trials of good information. Then machine began acting erratically again.
080112 5:00AM After 5 trials with coincidence, the machine began erratically. Paddles were readjusted. Trial 11's upper panel seemed to be reading too low.
Photos of Setup,and Test Location
Here is a view from the 6th floor Owen East Dormitory Balcony from where the data was taken. The balcony faces to the south.
The Expermental Setup
A close-up highlighting the foiled covered scintillator panels
The Experiment Continues