Cloud chamber

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-004412",
  "term": "Cloud chamber",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A sealed environment containing a supersaturated vapor of water or alcohol used to visualize the paths of ionizing radiation. As a charged particle passes through the chamber, it ionizes the vapor molecules, which then act as condensation nuclei, forming a trail of visible mist-like droplets. The original Wilson cloud chamber, invented in 1911, required expansion to cool the gas, while diffusion cloud chambers maintain a continuous temperature gradient.",
  "see_also": [
    "Wilson cloud chamber"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/cloud-chamber/"
}