Cosmic Rays
The Cosmic Rays experiment at the QuarkNet Summer Institute focused on designing and setting up the Cosmic Ray Measurement Device (CRMD) for data collection and analysis. Overnight data gathering revealed consistent detector performance, although slight offsets were observed in histograms. Flux analysis determined an average rate of ±8,500 hits/m²/60 seconds, emphasizing the statistical significance of our measurements. The week's outcomes showcased valuable methods for detector usage and high student engagement, alongside excellent collaboration among educators and cutting-edge science discussions.
Cosmic Rays
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Presentation Transcript
Cosmic Rays Ty Fredriks SCIPP QuarkNet Summer Institute
Experiment Design • Set up CRMD to run overnight • Gather data • Analyze data using flux and performance studies • Present data to esteemed colleagues
Performance Analysis • Observations: • Each detector had relatively the same number of counts • Histogram shows graphs slightly offset • Interpretation: • Last year’s plateau still working but needs to be fine-tuned
Flux Analysis • What is flux? • Units: events/m2/60 sec • Or how much, how fast over how far • Observed rates • ±8,500 hits per m2 per 60 seconds • 140 hits per second =140 hz • Channel 0 only (detector A)
Uncertainty • The amount of relative assurance that our measurements are statistically significant • Uncertainty = 1/root(n) • 1/root(8,500)=1/92.2 = .011 • 1.1% uncertainty • Why a low uncertainty? • Large number of samples
Final Observations of SCIPP • Most useful outcome of week: • Having an easily-accessible method of detector usage. • Great looking instrument for high student interest.
Final Observations of SCIPP • Great opportunity for teacher collaboration
Final Observations of SCIPP • High interest, collegiate level lectures on cutting-edge science topics.
Final Thanks • Steve Kliewer • For all the effort at putting together a quality educational opportunity, as well as his woodworking craftsmanship. • Vicki and Hartmut • For all their efforts at organizing this workshop • Chris Whelan and QuarkNet • For allowing us (and our students) to play with such interesting equipment.