7D10.41 - Radioactive Decay Model

Code Number:
7D10.41
Demo Title:
Radioactive Decay Model
Condition:
Excellent
Principle:
Radioactive Decay, Half-Life
Area of Study:
Modern Physics

Disclaimer

Equipment:
Colored Water, Food Coloring, Beakers, Glass Tubes, Tygon Tubing, and Pinch Clamp.
Procedure:

The decay tubes are set up as shown. Fill the top tube with colored water. As the top tube drains the bottom tube will fill to an equilibrium point and then slowly drain. This demo should simulate the radioactive decay of a sample through half-life to non-radioactivity. The top tube may be held at the full level by putting a tygon tube and pinch clamp on top.

References:
  • Xabier Cid Vidal, Ramon Cid Manzano, Isaac Valina Lema, "An Experimental Analogy for Teaching the Law of Radioactive Decays in Secondary Schools", TPT, Vol. 60, #8, Nov. 2022, p. 690.
  • Donald W. Olson and Joseph C. Herbert, "Talking Probability to Heart", TPT, Vol. 47, #5, May 2009, p. 261.
  • Terrence Toepker, "More Physics with Cardiolite", TPT, Vol. 47, #3, Mar. 2009, p. 132.
  • Kenneth Jesse, "Biological Half-Life of Cardiolite®", TPT, Vol. 46, #9, Dec. 2008, p. 522.
  • Stephen J. Fairman, Joseph A. Johnson, and Thomas A. Walkiewicz, "Fluid Flow with Logger Pro", TPT, Vol. 41, #6, Sept. 2003, p. 345.
  • V. J. Menon and D. C. Agrawal, "Lifetimes of Incandescent Bulbs", TPT, Vol. 41, #2, Feb. 2003, p. 100.
  • Christopher G. Deacon, "A Background to Background Radiation", TPT, Vol. 41, #2, Feb. 2003, p. 78.
  • Thomas B. Greenslade, Jr., "Simulated Secular Equilibrium", TPT, Vol. 40, #1, Jan. 2002, p. 21.
  • John S. Garrett, "Modification of the Classic M & M Decay Experiment", TPT, Vol. 28, #9, Dec. 1990, p. 611.
  • Frank McGeachy, "Radioactive Decay - An Analog", TPT, Vol. 26, #1, Jan. 1988, p. 28.
  • James L. Boettler, "Simulated Radioactivity", TPT, Vol. 10, #7, Oct. 1972, p. 403.
  • S. Ballou Skinner, "A Simple Experiment to Illustrate Exponential Decay, Half-Life, and Time Constant", TPT, Vol. 9, #5, May 1971, p. 269.
  • John F. Yegge, "A Buret Model of Exponential Decay", TPT, Vol. 6, #1, Jan. 1968, p. 41.
  • Francis J. Wunderlich and Mark Peastrel, "Electronic Analog of Radioactive Decay", AJP, Vol. 46, #2, Feb. 1978, p. 189.
  • J. R. Smithson and E. R. Pinkston, "Half-Life of a Water Column as a Laboratory Exercise in Exponential Decay", AJP, Vol. 28, #8, Nov. 1960, p. 740.
  • Nick Fisher, "The Physics of Your Pint: Head of Beer Exhibits Exponential Decay", Physics Education, Vol. 39, #1, Jan. 2004, p. 34.
  • R.D. Edge, "8.03: Radioactive Decay--An Analogy", String and Sticky Tape Experiments.
  • W. Bolton, "Half-Life Analogues", Book 3 - Atomic Physics, Physics Experiments and Projects, 1968, p. 69 - 70.
PDF icon University of Maryland Physics Department QOTW Question #195
PDF icon University of Maryland Physics Department QOTW Answer #195

Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.