Radiation detection is an important part of understanding our physical world. After repairing the WPI GeLi gamma ray detector, we tested soil samples from around campus for the effective radiation doses sustained by an average person, showing that the WPI dose is below the national average. The Rutherford scattering experiment explores the interaction of alpha particles with nuclei and the basic scientific principles involved. We used a mathematical model of the Rutherford experiment and obtained results using the classical Runge-Kutta method and the Dormand-Prince embedded pair method with MATLAB. Comparing the simulated data with known results unites the mathematical theories with experimental practice.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Orso, Dericc Andrew
• Silva Sa, Matthew John
• Mullin, Joseph Duffy

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-011509-114326

Advisor

• Weekes, Suzanne L.
• Iannacchione, Germano S.

Year

• 2009

Date created

• 2009-01-15

Location

• Worcester

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Interdisciplinary
• Physics

Rights statement

• In Copyright