An Improved Method for the Determination of the Radium Content of Rocks

• Main Author: McMillan, Edwin Mattison
• Format: Others
• Published: 1929
• Online Access: https://thesis.library.caltech.edu/2420/3/Mcmillan_em_1929.pdf; McMillan, Edwin Mattison (1929) An Improved Method for the Determination of the Radium Content of Rocks. Master's thesis, California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/9G6C-HC68. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-06032004-150356 <https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-06032004-150356>

<p>A modified form, developed in this laboratory, of the furnace method for separating radium emanation from rocks originally devised by J. Joly, is described. In the new method the rock is heated with a flux in a nickel crucible by means of a gas flame, the carbon dioxide produced is removed by a sodium hydroxide solution, and the emanation is introduced into an electroscope. The procedure is simpler than that of Joly and gives better results.</p> <p>Results of tests of this method and of Joly's method are given.</p> <p>Some results of tests determinations of the radium content of various rocks are given.</p> <p>Suggestions for further improvement of the method are presented.</p>