Neutron activation: an invaluable technique for teaching applied radiation

This experiment introduces students to the important method of neutron activation. A sample of aluminium was irradiated with neutrons from an isotropic 241Am-Be source. Using γ-ray spectroscopy, two radionuclide products were identified as 27Mg and 28Al. Applying a cadmium cut-off filter and an optimum irradiation time of 45 min, the half-life of 27Mg was determined as 9.46±0.50 min. The half-life of the 28Al radionuclide was determined as 2.28±0.10 min using a polythene moderator and an optimum irradiation time of 10 min