Wilson cloud chamber
- noun
- Specialized
:
cámara de nubes de Wilson
- A Wilson cloud chamber allowed scientists to observe the paths of alpha and beta particles directly.
Examples
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Photographs taken with a Wilson cloud chamber often reveal intricate patterns of cosmic ray interactions.
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The physicists demonstrated the Wilson cloud chamber to show how subatomic particles leave visible trails.
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The Wilson cloud chamber is essential in particle physics experiments.
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Have you seen a Wilson cloud chamber in action?
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A Wilson cloud chamber allows researchers to visualize the paths of charged particles by condensing vapor on the ions they create.
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Using a Wilson cloud chamber, scientists can capture images of the trails left by high-energy particles as they travel through the medium.
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The Wilson cloud chamber is a critical tool in laboratories for examining the behavior of alpha and beta particles.
Synonyms
1
7.5
A device that shows the paths of tiny invisible particles as thin white streaks in a mist
1
7.8
A tank of very hot liquid where tiny bubbles show the paths of invisible particles
A device that makes sparks to show paths of tiny charged particles
A tool that shows the path of charged particles
Surface Forms
Morphology
The proper name 'Wilson' is eponymous and does not contribute semantic content a learner can use; 'cloud' + 'chamber' transparently suggests an enclosed space with vapour or clouds, so a B1 learner would likely infer it is some kind of device involving vapour. However, the specialized function (making charged particle tracks visible) is technical and not directly derivable from the constituents, so the expression is only partially predictable without domain knowledge.
Etymology
Wilson cloud chamber is named after the scientist Wilson and describes a small chamber where a thin cloud or 'mist' forms. When tiny charged 'particles' move through the mist they make visible 'trails', so the device lets you see the 'paths' of those particles.