Science Report
UNIT 3-4 PHYSICS EXCURSION – AUSTRALIAN SYNCHROTRON
On Wednesday 31st August, Unit 3-4 Physics students went on a journey of discovery by visiting the Australian Synchrotron in Clayton for the day.
What is the Australian Synchrotron you ask? Good question. As one of the Physics students put it, it’s basically a high-powered torch …. if you think of a torch that is 1,000,000 times brighter than the Sun!
Students were given a guided tour to understand how electrons are accelerated close to the speed of light and then directed around a large circular track about the size of a football field. As the electrons continually change direction around the track, they emit electro-magnetic radiation ranging from infra-red up to high-energy x-rays. This radiation is used in a range of practical applications and research in the fields of medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, forensics, art history and more.
Following the guided tour, students spent the afternoon in one of the light laboratories, undertaking a series of experiments relating to the last unit of study covered at school. All students enjoyed the day, getting an insight into STEM research being conducted in Australia, and using high quality lab equipment outside a school setting. Unfortunately there was no gift shop at the end of the tour, so some students were disappointed they couldn’t take away a sample box of Synchrotron electrons. Maybe next time 😊
