Detector of Radiation:

Radiation Mechanism of function Type of Observation made

detector radiation that
can be detected
1. Geiger- 1. The radioactive emission enters the α particles The photographic
Muller tube GM tube through the mica window and β particles badge is worn by
ionises the argon gas in it into electrons γ rays workers in nuclear
and positive ions. power stations and in
2. The electrons and positive ions are radiation
attracted towards the anode and cathode laboratories
respectively.
3. When the electrons are collected by
the anode, a pulse of current is produced.
4. The pulses of current are counted by a
sealer or ratemeter.
5. The sealer gives the number of counts over a
certain period of time while the ratemeter
gives the count rate in counts per second or
counts per minute
6. When using GM tube, it should switched
on first without the presence of any
radioactive substance and record the reading
displayed background count rate.
7. When the GM tube is used to detect
radioactive emission, the background count
rate is subtracted from the count rate obtained.
8. When no radioactive substances near to
GM, there is still a constant background count
rate because:
The GM tube can detect natural radiation
around us (background radiation) which
comes from several sources:
•Rocks such as granite and soil that contain
small amounts of radioactive nuclides.
•Energetic cosmic rays from outer space that
have penetrated the atmosphere.
•Naturally occurring radioactive gases such as
radon from the ground.
•Some foods and drinks that we consume
which emits traces of radiation.
•Radiation as a result of medical diagnosis
that make use of radioactive nuclides.
•Radiation leak from nuclear plants.
2. Cloud 1. Cloud chamber consist of air and saturated α particles Tracks with specific
Chamber alcohol vapour in it. β particles characteristics are
γ rays formed in the cloud
2. When radioactive substances is put in the chamber
cloud chamber, the radiation produces ions
in the air that is saturated with alcohol
vapour.
3. The alcohol vapour condenses on the ions
to make the tracks of the radiation visible.
 The track formed by alpha particle and beta
particle which has higher ionization power
than gamma particles is more visible.

3. Spark 1. The spark counter consists of a wire gauze α particles Sparks are seen and
Counter and a thin wire below it. heard between the wire
2. A high voltage is applied between the gauze gauze and the wire
and the wire. The voltage is adjusted until it is below.
just below the value required to produce
sparks.
3. When a radioactive source is brought
near the wire gauze, the radiation ionises
the air below it. The motion of the ions to
the gauze and the wire causes sparks to be
produced. The sparks can be seen and
heard.
4. Spark counters are suitable for
detecting alpha particles. Beta particles
and gamma rays produce too few ions to
produce sparks.

4. 1. The badge contains a photographic film β particles Darkening of the

Photographic in a light-proof packet. γ rays photographic film in the
Badge badge
2. The film is developed at the end of
each month.
3. The parts of the film which had
received radiation will be darkened.
The degree of darkening indicates the
amount of radiation the person had been
exposed to.
4. It is usually worn by workers in nuclear
power stations and in radiation
laboratories.