Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I would like to work on a project following this as a project outline:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ml#summary

However, I'm not sure if it's legal to build something like this that produces radiation without it being registered. I live in Florida and I know professional xray equipment needs to be registered by the Florida Department of Health. Would this be something that could be built legally without being registered?

Also, it is mentioned in the project outline that electricity can arc from the wires to the shielding. How can this be prevented so that the machine is safely shielded but arching can not occur?

Hi Schoolsterz123,

I can't give you a clear answer on the question of whether you have to register something like this in Florida. Although I'm not certain, I suspect that the intensity of radiation emitted by professional x-ray equipment is greater than what is emitted by this device. I suggest you talk to your teacher, who will probably be able to give you more specific guidance. If you are participating in an Intel ISEF-affiliated fair, then there is specific paperwork you will need to fill out. Your teacher and local SRC (if you're working with an Intel ISEF-affiliated fair) will be your best resource for answering that particular question.

In regards to your question about arcing - arcing will happen if conductive components get too close to each other. The best way to prevent arcing is to keep conductive components away from one another, in addition to using non-conductive insulating materials around conductive components. The styrofoam and rubber suggested in the Project Idea should work reasonably well.