Relativistic Dynamics

Measurement of the velocity-momentum-energy relations of relativistic electrons and determination of e/m. Energetic electrons from the beta decay of 90SR and its decay product 90Y are sorted according to momentum by a 180 degree magnetic spectrograph, passed through a velocity selector, and detected by a PIN diode detector.

Plots of momentum and energy vs. velocity are compared with the theoretical relations of classical and relativistic dynamics, and the value of the ratio e/m is derived from the data.

Lab Guide (PDF)

Relativistic dynamics lab.

Relativistic dynamics lab. (Image courtesy of Junior Lab staff.)

References

Thomson, J. J. "Cathode Rays." Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science 44 (1897): 77-100.

Emilio, Segre. "Radioactive Decay." In Experimental Nuclear Physics. Vol. 1. New York, NY: Wiley, 1953, pp. 1-39.

———. "Passage of Heavy Particles through Matter." Section 2.1B-D in Experimental Nuclear Physics. Vol. 1. New York, NY: Wiley, 1953, pp. 231-252.

Evans, Robley Dunglison. "Beta-Ray Spectra." Chapter 17 in The Atomic Nucleus. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1955, pp. 536-566.

Bleuler, Ernst, and George J. Goldsmith. "Range and Energy Loss of Alpha Particles," and "Radiations of Cu(64) (Zn(65))." Experiment 19 and 23 in Experimental Nucleonics. New York, NY: Rinehart, 1952, pp. 275-282 and 3341-354.

Ritson, David M., "General Properties of Particles and Radiation." Chapter 1 in Techniques of High Energy Physics. New York, NY: Interscience Publishers, 1961, pp. 1-53.

Buy at Amazon England, J. B. A. "Magnetic Spectrometers for Beta Particles and Electrons." Section 4.2 in Techniques in Nuclear Structure Physics. Vol. 2. New York, NY: Wiley, 1974, pp. 349-383. ISBN: 9780470241615.

Evans, Robley Dunglison. "Statistical Fluctuations in Nuclear Processes." Chapter 26 in Atomic Nucleus. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1955, pp. 746-772.

Selected Resources

Stopping Power and Range Tables for Electrons

Clark, J. W. "A New Method for Obtaining a Uniform Magnetic Field." Rev Sci Inst 9 (1938): 320-322.

Buy at Amazon Purcell, Edward M. "Electric Conduction in a Magnetic Field: The Hall Effect." Section 6.9 in Electricity and Magnetism. New York, NY: McGraw Hill, 1984, pp. 241-245. ISBN: 9780070049086.

Buy at Amazon ———. "Exact Relations Among SI and CGS Units." Appendix E in Electricity and Magnetism. New York, NY: McGraw Hill, 1984, pp. 473-475. ISBN: 9780070049086.