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Neutrinos are sometimes called ghost particles - Leaving Cert Physics - Question (i) - 2019
Question (i)
Neutrinos are sometimes called ghost particles. Why are they very hard to detect? or Describe how a galvanometer can be converted into an ammeter.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Neutrinos are sometimes called ghost particles - Leaving Cert Physics - Question (i) - 2019
Step 1
Why are neutrinos very hard to detect?
Answer
Neutrinos are often referred to as ghost particles due to their elusive nature. This arises from a combination of their physical properties:
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Very Small Mass: Neutrinos possess an extremely small mass, which contributes to their high penetration capabilities through matter. Ordinary matter hardly interacts with them, making it difficult to detect their presence.
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No Charge: As neutral particles, neutrinos do not carry an electric charge. This lack of charge means they do not interact electromagnetically, which is the primary mode of interaction for the vast majority of detectable particles. Hence, they are not affected by electric or magnetic fields which could help in sensing them.
Step 2
Describe how a galvanometer can be converted into an ammeter.
Answer
To convert a galvanometer into an ammeter, we need to modify its configuration to measure larger currents effectively:
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Small Resistance: A low-resistance shunt resistor is added in parallel with the galvanometer. This configuration allows most of the current to flow through the shunt, while only a small fraction goes through the galvanometer, preventing damage and allowing it to operate within its optimal range.
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In Parallel: The shunt resistor must be connected in parallel to the galvanometer. This setup ensures that the voltage across both the galvanometer and the shunt remains the same, allowing the galvanometer's deflection to be directly proportional to the current flowing through the entire circuit.