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Chapter 21: Problem 51

How does a Geiger counter work?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A Geiger counter works by using ionising radiation to initiate a cascade of ionisations in a gas-filled tube (the Geiger-Muller tube). This cascade, known as a Townsend Avalanche, results in a measurable current pulse. This response is interpreted by a processing unit and provides a readout of the radiation level in terms of either 'counts per minute' or 'radiation dose per hour'.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Device

A Geiger counter, also known as a Geiger-Muller counter, is a device used for the detection and measurement of all types of radiation: alpha, beta and gamma radiation. It was named after its inventors, Hans Geiger and Walther M眉ller.
02

Construction of the Geiger Counter

The basic design of a Geiger counter consists of two main parts: a Geiger-Muller tube, and a processing and display unit. The Geiger-Muller tube is the sensing element, filled with an inert gas like helium or argon at low pressure. This tube also contains a thin metal wire along its center. The wire serves as an anode, while the wall of the tube serves as a cathode, thus forming a capacitor. The processing and display unit interprets the signals from the Geiger-Muller tube and provides a readout.
03

Working principle of the Geiger Counter

The operation is based on ionizing radiation, which penetrates the wall of the tube and ionizes the gas inside. When the inert gas atoms are ionized, they emit positively charged ions and electrons. These electrons are pulled toward the wire (anode), and as they accelerate, more gas atoms are ionized. This creates a cascading effect known as a Townsend Avalanche, resulting in a rapid discharge and a current pulse across the tube. This pulse is then interpreted by the processing unit into a readout.
04

Measuring Radiation

The Geiger counter measures radiation in terms of 'counts per minute' (CPM) or 'radiation dose per hour' (mR/hr or 渭Sv/h), indicating the number of ionization events per minute or the amount of radiation dose that a person would receive per hour standing at the place where the measurement is taken.

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