Physics ANSTO Excursion
On the 5th of September, our Year 12 Physics class visited the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) at Lucas Heights. The excursion was one we had all been looking forward to, and it definitely did not disappoint.
Our tour began at the Discovery Centre, which had an array of displays, such as a to-scale replica of the reactor core. My favourite piece in this section was the Wilson cloud chamber, which allowed us to see radiation using alcohol vapour (which caused each particle to leave a distinct signature trail).
Following this was a presentation covering our Module 8 (From the Universe to the Atom) content that would be relevant to the excursion. This was both engaging and informative, especially with the demonstrations such as using scintillation counters to determine the nature of different radioactive sources.
Then, we visited the Centre for Accelerator Science, where we saw two different particle accelerators. Our tour guide highlighted the uses of these machines in climate research and materials science. She represented how particle accelerators had been used in the past to debunk false claims by companies regarding the sustainability of their products and packaging.
After, we stopped by the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, which housed several machines used for rigorous testing on both a national and international level. We were informed of some Australian-foreign research relationships and how the machines evolved over time to be as advanced and vast as they are today.
Finally, we visited OPAL — Australia's only nuclear reactor. We were refreshed on the components of a fission reactor and how each of these is vital for its function. This reactor is not used to produce energy but instead produces massive amounts of neutrons used for medical, industrial and research applications. Seeing live camera footage of the reactor was definitely a highlight for me.
On behalf of the Year 12 Physics cohort, I'd like to thank Mr Jayaratna, ANSTO and anybody else who was involved in the planning and execution of the excursion. We left ANSTO with a renewed understanding of the function and application of the role of science in medicine, technology and research, so it was a great learning opportunity.
- Joey Ghattas
