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Cloud Chamber

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Subatomic particles such as cosmic ray muons, alpha particles, and high energy electrons are striking our bodies all the time. In the cloud chamber, these particles ionize air molecules, creating delicate cloud trails by condensing supersaturated alcohol vapor. This is similar to the way condensation trails are formed in the sky behind airplanes.

This is about as close as you'll ever get to seeing subatomic particles with your own eyes...

Comments (1)

I’m curious what those trails would look like with a neodymium magnet sitting in the middle.

Posted 11 days by bob4664

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Created
June 12, 2009 15:38
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