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How to Make a Radioactive Detector

While it may not save you in the event of a nuclear emergency, it is possible to make a simple radiation detector that will pick up beta radiation in the air. This device will not detect other types of radiation such as alpha particles or gamma rays. To test the radiation detector, also called an electroscope, try using an old color television, since they emitted mild radiation, especially on the top and sides. Some smoke detectors give off radiation as well. Electroscopes do not detect radiation from microwave ovens.

Things You'll Need

Glass jar
Copper wire, about 14 gauge
Plastic container lid
Tape
Thick aluminum foil
Thin, plastic tube or straw

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the copper wire about 12 inches long. Twist one end into a spiral and leave the other end straight.
- 2
  Cut out two identical pieces of aluminum foil, about the size of a quarter. Punch a small hole in the top of each piece, large enough to slip over the copper wire later in the construction process. Smooth the foil carefully.
- 3
  Cut the plastic container lid, such as you would find on a deli container, so that it just covers the top of the jar. Poke a hole in the center of the lid. Cut the plastic tube to a length of about three inches, then put it through the hole in the center of the plastic lid.
- 4
  Slide the straight end of the copper wire through the straw in the plastic lid. Make a hook at the end of the wire, and slide the aluminum disks onto the hook.
- 5
  Place the lid on the glass jar, with the aluminum disks hanging in the jar. Tape the lid on the jar. Bend the wire to a 90-degree angle so that the spiral faces to the side rather than straight up into the air.
- 6
  Put the electroscope close to a color television or other radiation-emitting device to test it. The aluminum disks should spread apart in the jar. The electroscope will also respond to static electricity.

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