David M DeLong
Problem Set 1
Question 1
a) State in no more than two sentences what is the problem Chadwick addressed. In other words,
what is the controversy that Chadwick intended to resolve?
In experiments involving the bombardment of beryllium by α particles, the reaction emitted more
energy than anticipated and conservation of mass was not maintained.
b) What are the experimental results that Chadwick cited to show that there is an unresolved
problem?
When observing nitrogen in the valve counter experiment, the anticipated ion production was
estimated to be 10,000 and the maximum range of 1.3 mm at normal temperature and pressure.
The experiment measures 30,000 ions and a maximum range of 3mm at normal temperature.
c) Explain what was meant by the Compton effect (interaction between what and what) brought
up by Chadwick in the early part of the paper?
It is the interaction between a high frequency photon and an electron. When the photon collides
with the electron in an elastic collision, the photon transfers some of its momentum to the
electron.
d) What was Chadwick’s resolution to the controversy that he raised? What argument did he use
to support his resolution, and was it of an experimental or theoretical nature?
The additional energy and range of influence was due to a particle, with zero change and the
atomic mass of 1. The lack of charge made this particle hard to detect. He used both
experimental and theoretical. Experimental argument was the detection of variable particle
ranges based on the direction the radiation was measured from the reaction. His theoretical
argument was the difference in theoretical energy outputs between Be9 to C12 compared to Be9 to
C13 when compared to the estimated measured output.
e) How did Chadwick arrive at his postulate of the existence of a neutron?
The only way his observed reactions satisfied the laws of conservation of mass and momentum
was the presence of a chargeless particle with mass of 1 also being released as part of the
radiation.
f) Was Chadwick very sure of his conclusion? Did he leave the door open for other possible
explanations? What exactly was the quantum hypothesis mentioned in the final sentence?
Chadwick seemed pretty sure of his answer. He did leave the door open for another possibility
but it seemed half hearted to assume that the laws of mass and momentum conservation no
longer applied. He did not seem convinced that this was a credible possibility.