Experiment 1

-Backscattering
Aim:

1. Understanding the meaning of “backscattering”

2. Studying the relation between backscattering, and the
following factors:
i. thickness of the backscattering material
ii. atomic number of the backscattering material

3. Estimating the maximum energy of beta particles for a

certain radioactive source
Theory

GM tube

Radioactive
source

Backscattering
material
Interaction processes of beta particles with matter
(1) Elastic Collision
(2) Inelastic Collision
(3) Ionization
 Factors affecting backscattering

The backscattering factor (Fb) can be calculated from this equation:

Fb = count rate in “presence” of backscattering material

count rate in “absence” of backscattering material

Factors affecting the backscattering:
(1) Thickness of backscattering material
(2) Atomic number of backscattering material

Backscattering factor
Saturation
thickness

Thickness of backscattering material

The range of beta particles is the maximum distance traveled in the
medium by the particles that have the maximum energy.
Theoretically, saturation thickness for a certain material is the
thickness that is equal to one-half the range of beta particles in that
material.
In practice, saturation thickness is equal to approximately one-fifth
the range, that is
 
R = 5 ts

R = 0.546 Emax – 0.108

Procedures:

1. Adjust the operating voltage of the counter.

2. Put a beta-emitter source (Strontium-90) in front of the counter

and obtain the
count rate (no).

3. Measure the thickness of a thin sheet of “aluminum” and put it

just behind the
source.

4. Repeat step 2 (nb).

5. Calculate the backscattering factor (Fb) and the corresponding

error (∆Fb) as follows:
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 for various values of thickness of aluminum
sheets until the count rate reach nearly a constant value with
increasing the thickness.

7. Plot a graph between the backscattering factor (Fb) and the

thickness. From the graph obtain the “saturation thickness”.

8. Calculate the range of beta particles using equation 2, then

calculate the maximum energy of beta particles using equation 4.

9. Repeat steps 3 to 5, but for several types of materials (use the

same thickness for all materials).

10. Plot a graph between the backscattering factor (Fb) and the
atomic number of the materials studied.
Thanks for Your Attention