Abstract
IN a recent communication from this Laboratory1, it was shown that unstable heavy nuclei are sometimes emitted during the explosive disintegrations produced in photographic plates by the passage of cosmic radiation. In some cases., these unstable particles, after being brought to rest in the emulsion, give rise to two particles of equal range, emitted in opposite directions. The characteristic tracks thus produced were referred to as ‘hammer tracks'; and it was suggested that they are due to the emission of a nucleus of Li8 during the disintegration, for this nucleus is known to suffer β-decay with a period of 0·88 sec.2, and simultaneously to decompose into two α-particles. Twenty-eight examples of this process have now been observed in this Laboratory, and it has been possible to establish the correctness of the original interpretation of the phenomenon.
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call