The subject of this thread says it all. I am teaching a summer class within the next week and I need to show the class a way to determine the charge emitted from a radioactive substance so they can infer the type of radiation emitted (alpha, beta or gamma). I have tried using an electroscope, which would have been ideal, but I cannot get the unit to function. Therefore, I can't depend on this as a detector during class. Remember that I am seeking to determine charge only, not just detection in general which a Geiger counter would do. And, yes, part 2 of the lesson will involve using shielding of various thicknesses to conclude what type of particle is emitted.
Any ideas for a charge polarity detector other than an oscilloscope- something that's cheap?
Thanks, Jon