Cherenkov Radiation: Difference between revisions
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Compiled by Alexis Jacob (ajacob30) | Compiled by Alexis Jacob (ajacob30) | ||
Cherenkov | Cherenkov radiation, discovered by Soviet Scientist Pavel Cherenkov, is a fascinating phenomena that occurs when charges move faster than light through an optically transparent medium. One commonly recognized example of Cherenkov radiation is in nuclear reactors which have a characteristic blue glow as a result. | ||
==The Main Idea== | ==The Main Idea== | ||
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===A Mathematical Model=== | ===A Mathematical Model=== | ||
For Cherenkov radiation to occur, the minimum threshold energy for an electron to radiate in water is 260keV. | For Cherenkov radiation to occur, the minimum threshold energy for an electron to radiate in water is 260keV. In addition, only high-energy nuclei with a charge greater than or equal to six are capable of producing Cherenkov light. | ||
===A Computational Model=== | ===A Computational Model=== | ||
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Put this idea in historical context. Give the reader the Who, What, When, Where, and Why. | Put this idea in historical context. Give the reader the Who, What, When, Where, and Why. | ||
Cherenkov radiation was discovered by Soviet physicist Pavel A. Cherenkov in 1934. It was later explained by Ilya M. Frank and Igor Y. Tamm in 1937. | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
Revision as of 20:06, 2 December 2015
Compiled by Alexis Jacob (ajacob30)
Cherenkov radiation, discovered by Soviet Scientist Pavel Cherenkov, is a fascinating phenomena that occurs when charges move faster than light through an optically transparent medium. One commonly recognized example of Cherenkov radiation is in nuclear reactors which have a characteristic blue glow as a result.
The Main Idea
The blue radiation in nuclear reactors occurs when electrons from the reactor travel at speeds greater than light in the water surrounding the reactor. The charged and highly energetic particle then displaces electrons in the water; the electromagnetic radiation emitted as electrons are displaced results in a weak bluish glow.
Electric Field of Capacitor
A Mathematical Model
For Cherenkov radiation to occur, the minimum threshold energy for an electron to radiate in water is 260keV. In addition, only high-energy nuclei with a charge greater than or equal to six are capable of producing Cherenkov light.
A Computational Model
How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here Teach hands-on with GlowScript
Examples
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Connectedness
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History
Put this idea in historical context. Give the reader the Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Cherenkov radiation was discovered by Soviet physicist Pavel A. Cherenkov in 1934. It was later explained by Ilya M. Frank and Igor Y. Tamm in 1937.
See also
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