Half Life with Isotope Generator


PIRA Classification: 7D10.20

Description: An isotope generator (Cs-137) is used to produce Ba-137, with a half-life of 2.6 minutes. Once the barium is produced, a geiger counter and computer is used to track the number of counts. When the data run is complete, the program will fit a curve giving the half life of the barium.

Special Instructions: Squirt 1 mL of the solution through the Cs-137 source in the direction of the arrow. The program will collect data for 12 minutes.

Ideally For: Phys 1001, 2303, 2403, 2503, Ast 1001

Condition: Ok

Setup time: 5 minutes

Safety Issues: Gamma source.