Project Type MQP Submission date 2009-01-15 Authors Joseph Duffy Mullin, PH Dericc Andrew Orso, PH Matthew John Silva Sa, ID URN E-project-011509-114326 Title Rutherford Scattering and GeLi Detection Advisors Weekes, Suzanne L., MA Iannacchione, Germano S., PH Availability unrestricted Abstract
Radiation detection is an important part of understanding our physical world. After repairing the WPI GeLi gamma ray detector, we tested soil samples from around campus for the effective radiation doses sustained by an average person, showing that the WPI dose is below the national average. The Rutherford scattering experiment explores the interaction of alpha particles with nuclei and the basic scientific principles involved. We used a mathematical model of the Rutherford experiment and obtained results using the classical Runge-Kutta method and the Dormand-Prince embedded pair method with MATLAB. Comparing the simulated data with known results unites the mathematical theories with experimental practice.
Files RutherfordGeLiMQPfinal.pdf
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