Fluorescent Lights - Radioactive Starter Ballasts

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 Code Number :   7D30.46?

Disclaimer:

Reprinted by permission of Dick Berg, University of Maryland, for use on this website.

The demonstrations contained and referenced herein are listed for the purposes of cataloging and describing physics demonstrations which should be conducted only under the direction of a trained instructional support professional or physicist. These demonstrations are not presented for the purpose of being conducted by persons unconnected to this Facility and/or persons not consulting with or being supervised by the recognized instructional support professional or physicist and his/her staff. The University is responsible only for those demonstrations carried out using its own equipment using established safety and scheduling policies, and bears no responsibility for those choosing to use this source material for their own purposes. All demonstrations described and contained herein are public domain, and can also be found in reference materials in libraries, bookstores, and electronic sources.

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Condition :   Excellent   
Principle :   Particle Decay and Ionization  
Area of Study :  Modern Physics  
Equipment :   Compact Fluorescent Lights, Radiation Counter if Desired.

Procedure :   Most compact fluorescent light bulbs have a starter ballast that contains a radioactive substance.  In most cases this looks like a little glass container with two lead coming out of it.  In our case the radioactive substance is Krypton- 85.  The radioactivity can only be detected with a survey meter if the glass case is removed. 
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   Web Sites
"Radioactive Products and Other Sources of Radiation."  Chris Smolinski.  www.blackcatsystems.com 

 

   References



Mail Questions and Comments to:  Dale Stille