How a Geiger Counter Is Used?
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Basic Function
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A Geiger counter is a device that measures the level of ionizing radiation in a space. Ionizing radiation is energy that moves in waves or particles and can be dangerous to human health in high levels. Examples of ionizing radiation include alpha rays, beta rays, gamma rays and X-rays. The radiation can be caused naturally by various elements such as radium and uranium, or it can be caused by man-made elements such as cobalt-60.
How They Work
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Geiger counters contain plasmas that interact with the ionizing radiation in the atmosphere by conducting electricity. When a radioactive particle interacts or comes into contact with the plasma in the Geiger counter, electrons are produced that collide with a wire in the Geiger counter, which in turn triggers the Geiger counter to register a reading of the current produced by the colliding electrons. The higher the output produced by the radioactive particles, the more radiation is present in the atmosphere.
For example, imagine you are standing in a fully sanitized and clean room. If you turn on a Geiger counter, the counter will not register any radiation. Now picture yourself inside a nuclear reactor. If you turn the Geiger counter on in this area, readings will likely be off the chart because of the ionizing radiation traveling through the plasma and triggering the counter. The Geiger counter's reading will show how much radiation is in the atmosphere and, depending on how high that number is, whether or not you should immediately vacate the area.
Importance
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Humans cannot detect radiation in the atmosphere without technological help. Some radiation, such as sunlight, is not overly harmful to humans (but it can be in large doses). Other forms of radiation, such as the radiation produced from a nuclear fallout, can damage human tissue and even mutate cellular structure, which could produce cancers. The Geiger counter works by detecting the level of radiation in a space. Using the Geiger counter, it is possible to detect whether the radiation levels in a space are at dangerous or safe levels.
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