[Rockhounds] Heavy Water in the Bucket (OT)

[DonH]

J Bryan Kramer wrote:

> Does it? I would only expect to see a difference in neutron flux, but I
> could be wrong. Gamma shielding is usually high Z elements like Pb, neutron
> shielding is material with a lot of H in it since the masses are about the
> same. I guess deuterium must be a more effective fast neutron moderator
> since that is why is was valued so much.
> 
> I doubt that you have a neutron detector on hand.


Godo points on two counts: I was thinking of beta, not gamma; and this 
would require a thin-walled narrow container, since it is easy to stop 
beta particles in any case.  That is what we would need to find out; 
would the difference be detectable?

As far as the neutron moderation, oh yes I knew about that, and knew 
that wouldn't make an inexpensive classroom demonstration.  I was 
definitely thinking of experimenting with the beta.

Thanks,
Don