Cloud Chamber

A device for detecting subatomic particles; invented by Charles Wilson in 1912. It comprises a chamber containing vapour prone to condensing to liquid. The passage of particles forms ions, which act as centres for condensation, and the particle paths become visible as trails of mist. The cloud chamber was important in the early days of radioactivity, but has been superseded by other particle detectors.

End of Article: Cloud Chamber

See Also

Bubble Chamber, Ion, Particle Detectors, C(harles) T(homson) R(ees) Wilson


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