17 Jan Prelims Bits: Cherenkov Radiation
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Syllabus mapping:
GS: Science and Technology- Nuclear Technology.
For Prelims:
What is the Cherenkov Radiation and its application?
Why in the News?
Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, inaugurated the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory at Hanle, Ladakh. MACE is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia and holds the distinction of being the highest of its kind globally, located at an altitude of approximately 4,300 meters. The telescope, which was indigenously built by BARC with support from ECIL and other Indian industry partners, plays a key role in advancing atmospheric science research. The inauguration of the MACE Observatory is part of the Platinum Jubilee year celebrations of the DAE.
What is Cherenkov Radiation?
Cherenkov radiation is a distinct blue glow that occurs when electrically charged particles, such as electrons, travel faster than the speed of light in a transparent medium like water or glass. It is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is analogous to a shock wave, similar to the sonic boom created when an object exceeds the speed of sound in air.
Discovery of Cherenkov Radiation
Who Discovered It? Russian physicist Pavel Cherenkov discovered the phenomenon in 1934 while studying the effects of radiation on liquids.
Nobel Prize Recognition: Cherenkov, along with his colleagues Ilya Frank and Igor Tamm, received the 1958 Nobel Prize in Physics for their theoretical and experimental work explaining the phenomenon.
Key Characteristics of Cherenkov Radiation
Color: The blue color is due to the dominance of shorter wavelengths in the visible spectrum emitted by the radiation.
Speed Threshold: The particle must travel faster than the phase velocity of light in the medium to produce Cherenkov radiation.
Medium Dependent: Common media include water, glass, or specific transparent materials, with water being the most commonly observed medium.
How Does It Happen?
High-Speed Particles: Charged particles, such as electrons or protons, achieve speeds greater than the speed of light within the medium (note: this does not violate Einstein’s theory of relativity, as the speed of light in a vacuum is the universal speed limit).
Interaction with the Medium: The high-speed particles disturb the electromagnetic field of the medium, polarizing its molecules.
Photon Emission: When the medium’s molecules return to their normal state, they release energy in the form of photons (light particles).
Cone-Shaped Radiation: The emitted photons align in a conical shape, producing the characteristic blue glow.
Applications of Cherenkov Radiation
Nuclear Reactors: The famous blue glow in nuclear reactors arises from Cherenkov radiation as high-energy particles released during fission move through the water used as a coolant or moderator. It serves as a visual indicator of the reactor’s operational status.
Particle Physics: Cherenkov radiation is used in Cherenkov detectors to identify particles by their velocity, enabling differentiation between lighter and heavier particles. These detectors are crucial for studying subatomic particles in experiments like those conducted at CERN.
Astrophysics: Cherenkov radiation helps detect cosmic rays and observe neutrinos through ground-based telescopes like the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). It also contributes to understanding high-energy phenomena in the universe, such as supernovae and gamma-ray bursts.
Medical Imaging: In oncology, Cherenkov radiation is utilized for imaging radioisotopes during radiotherapy. It also aids in monitoring external beam radiation therapies, improving accuracy in treating cancer.
Radiation Detection: Used in nuclear safeguards, Cherenkov radiation helps detect spent nuclear fuel in storage pools, ensuring safe and secure handling.
Prelims Question:
Q. Which of the following statements are correct about Cherenkov radiation?
1. Cherenkov radiation occurs when charged particles travel faster than light in a transparent medium.
2. It is a form of electromagnetic radiation similar to a sonic boom.
3. The radiation is commonly observed as a blue glow.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a). 1 and 2 only
(b). 2 and 3 only
(c). 1 and 3 only
(d). 1, 2 and 3
ANSWER: d
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