Wilson’s Cloud Chamber, Expansion Type, Without Sources

Description

The Wilson’s Cloud Chamber, Expansion Type, Without Sources, also known as an expansion cloud chamber or classical Wilson cloud chamber, is designed for demonstrating ionising particle tracks in a supersaturated alcohol vapour environment. In this classical pattern, alcohol saturates a pad inside the chamber. A vacuum pump, such as a reversed tyre pump or other compatible vacuum source, is used to draw a partial vacuum and supersaturate the remaining air with alcohol vapour. When an approved alpha pin source is used in the chamber, alpha particles ionise air molecules along their path. The alcohol vapour then condenses on these ionised paths, forming miniature fog-like tracks that show the path taken by the particles.

A suitable light source, such as a microscope lamp or compatible laboratory lamp, is required to illuminate the chamber so the particle tracks can be observed clearly. This product is useful for physics teaching, radiation demonstrations, atomic and nuclear physics lessons, and visual explanations of ionisation, condensation and particle movement. Users should confirm the chamber setup, alcohol type, vacuum pump compatibility, lighting method, source requirements, institutional radiation rules and experiment procedure before use.

This product is supplied without radioactive sources. Any alpha source or pin source must be sourced, stored, handled and used only under approved school, university or laboratory radiation safety procedures. Alcohol vapour may be flammable. Keep the chamber and alcohol away from ignition sources, hotplates, open flames and unsuitable electrical equipment. Glass or transparent chamber parts should be handled carefully. Avoid impact, excessive vacuum, sudden pressure changes and use of cracked or damaged components.

This product is intended for laboratory or educational settings only and should be used under appropriate supervision. This item is supplied as the selected Wilson’s cloud chamber apparatus without sources only. Alpha source, light source, alcohol, vacuum pump, tubing, lamp, power supply, PPE, worksheets and additional radiation demonstration accessories are not included unless specified separately.

LabChoice Australia supplies Wilson’s Cloud Chambers and physics teaching apparatus for school science laboratories, university teaching laboratories and educational facilities requiring visual demonstrations of ionising radiation and particle-track formation.