On the Formation of a Gaseous Helide of Radium Active Deposit

Extract

In the light of the hypothesis that the helium atom can exist in a hydrogen-like form in which one electron is relatively far removed from the nucleus with respect to the other, a series of experiments have been carried out with a view to determine whether or not helium could be obtained in the form of a compound similar to certain known hydrides. The mass of evidence points to a positive result. A gaseous compound was shown to form when excited helium was passed over a strong source of the active deposit of radium. Compound formation was proved by counting scintillations caused by the transportation of the radioactive material from the discharge tube into a bulb containing a zinc sulphide screen. That the effect observed in the bulb was due to the presence of a gaseous radioactive helide and not to radium emanation or solid particles in suspension was definitely proved; that it was due to hydrogen impurities in the helium was shown to be very unlikely. The compound in hydrogen was more efficiently condensed by a carbon dioxide-ether cooling mixture than that in helium. The catalytic effects of tap grease and mercury vapour on the reaction were noted.

In conclusion the writer wishes to thank Professor Sir Ernest Rutherford, O.M., P.R.S., for his interest in the work; Dr J. Chadwick, F.R.S., for advice and helpful suggestions; Mr J. A. Ratcliffe, for the wireless set used in producing the electrodeless discharge; Mr Crowe, for the preparation of the radioactive sources; and Mr Brown, for help in counting scintillations.