An Experimental Investigation 12C(p,p)12C Reaction with an Open Air Van de Graaff

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to attempt an experimental verification of Ernest Rutherford's differential cross section equation with elastically scattered protons. This is obviously not the height of originality, but in setting this as a goal, a number of other goals. are reached. There are still many functional relationships in the operation of the Van de Graaff which are known to no one, and whose discovery would constitute truly original research. Also, the whole project has much educational value to one who has never used a particle accelerator to obtain data, now that the particle accelerator has become an instrument of major importance in nuclear research. Once the accelerator is built up, it can take in more students and become a real asset to the college.