Ranges and Straggling Coefficients of Alpha-Particles

Abstract
A review and evaluation of the analytical and graphical methods customarily applied in range determinations reveals several types of errors that frequently have been overlooked. Of particular importance are the area and error effects. The extrapolated range is shown to be subject to other errors and it is concluded, therefore, that the mean range is much the best measure of range. A method of analysis which takes into account these errors is developed and applied to a set of polonium data. The experimental straggling coefficient is only 13 percent greater than the Bethe-Williams theoretical value and 20 percent greater than the Bohr value.

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