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A simple measurement of the isotopic abundance of 40K

M G Green

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An experimental method together with its apparatus is described for the determination of the 40K isotope relative abundance. The method is suitable for teaching at a tertiary and secondary level. The method depends on natural potassium containing 1 part in 104 of 40K. 40K is an electron emitter and this is detected in a KCl disc by the use of a geiger counter. The experimental problems of dealing with a low count rate compared the natural background are discussed. The mathematics of calculating the isotopic abundance are presented. This requires a preknowledge of the half-life and makes allowance for electron absorption within the thin KCl disc.


PACS

01.50.My Demonstration experiments and apparatus

29.40.-n Radiation detectors

01.40.Ha Learning theory and science teaching

Subjects

Accelerators, beams and electromagnetism

Nuclear physics

Instrumentation and measurement

Education and communication

Particle physics and field theory

Dates

Issue 6 (September 1978)



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