2024/09/20 by D.P. Jackson, Fedya Grishanov, Noah Lape +1 · 1 voice
Physics and Astronomy · Computer Science · #Quantum Mechanics and Applications #Quantum Information and Cryptography #Orbital Angular Momentum in Optics
paper · doi:10.1119/5.0218373
openalex publication_date 2024/09/20 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/26
We describe a simplified experiment that can be used to verify the relativistic energy-momentum relationship for beta particles emitted from a 204Tl source. The experiment makes use of an exempt radioactive source and is therefore ideal for institutions that do not maintain a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (or state) license. The relativistic beta particles are injected into a uniform magnetic field and the maximum radius of the trajectories is determined. Comparing this radius to the relativistic and non-relativistic predictions demonstrates that only the relativistic equations are consistent with the data. The simplicity of the experiment and analysis makes this project ideal for inclusion in a sophomore-level modern physics course.