What they look like

How the sensor works

The Radiation Monitor senses beta, gamma and alpha radiation by means of a Geiger-MÜller (GM) tube. When ionizing radiation or a particle passes through the thin mica window of the tube, it is sensed electronically and monitored by its own display, a computer, or by a flashing count light. When the switch is in the AUDIO position, the instrument will also beep with each ionizing event.

Where it can be used

• Detect the presence of a source of radiation.
• Investigate counts/interval (rate) as different thicknesses of a particular type of shielding are placed between the Geiger-Müller tube of the Radiation Monitor and a beta or gamma source.
• Investigate the effect of different types of materials to shield beta or gamma radiation.
• Measure radiation, if any, from common materials.
• Investigate variations in background radiation at different elevations/altitudes.
• Investigate radioactivity in the environment over long periods of time.
• Monitor counts per interval (rate) from a beta or gamma radiation source as a function of the distance between the source and the GM tube
• Measure the half-life of a radioactive isotope