Pasco Isotope Generator

Type of activity: demo

Activity code: N-008

Description:

Demonstrates radioactive decay of a Ba-137. Obtain 5 drops of radioactive solution by injecting the eluting solution (NaCl+HCl) through a Cs-137 source. Cs-137 beta decays to Ba-137m with a half life 30yrs. Ba-137m is extracted by the eluting solution, and it gamma decays with a half life of 2.6minutes. Place a sensor on (in contact with) the solution, and place another pointing away (for background). Use with the Pasco box and Data Studio (laptop). Photo from Pasco store website.

Apparatus