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Do you want to verify that a radioactive source emits ONLY alpha particles? If so, first measure the original count-rate, with no radioactive source, on the GM-tube. This is the background count-rate. Next, place the radioactive source near the GM-tube, and measure the new count-rate. Place a thin piece of paper between the GM-tube and the source. You will see that the count-rate dropped to the background count-rate. This is because all of the alpha particles are absorbed by the paper. If there were other types of radiation, like beta and gamma radiation, the count-rate wouldn't drop to the background count-rate.

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To test for alpha particles using a Geiger-Muller tube, you would first need to shield the sample if not already contained, place the sample close to the end window of the tube, and measure the increase in counts per minute (CPM) on a radiation detector. Alpha particles are low-penetrating, so if the CPM rises significantly when in close proximity to the sample, it likely indicates the presence of alpha radiation.

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Q: How do you use the geiger muller tube to test for alpha?
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When radiation travels through the window of the geiger muller tube what happens so that the tube sends a signal that it has detected a particle?

When radiation enters the Geiger-Muller tube, it ionizes the gas inside. This ionization creates a conductive path that allows current to flow in the tube, triggering a voltage pulse that is counted as a particle detection event.


Why should argon be at low pressure in the geiger muller tube?

Argon is used in the Geiger-Muller tube as a quenching gas to stop the discharge of ions after each pulse. Keeping argon at low pressure allows for efficient quenching of the ionization process. Higher pressure could interfere with the detection process by preventing the resetting of the tube after each detection event.


How is alpha radiation detected?

Alpha radiation is typically detected using a particle detector such as a Geiger-Muller tube or a semiconductor detector. These detectors are sensitive to the ionization produced by the heavy and charged alpha particles as they pass through the detector material. The detector then converts this ionization into electrical signals that can be measured and analyzed.


Instrument for detecting radioactivity?

A Geiger counter is a commonly used instrument for detecting radioactivity. It measures ionizing radiation by detecting the ionization produced in the air by radioactive particles or rays. The device produces an audible clicking sound or visual display to indicate the presence of radiation.


What characteristic of radiation allows a Geiger counter to measure radiation levels?

A Geiger counter measures radiation levels by detecting ionizing radiation. When radiation interacts with the gas inside the Geiger-Muller tube, it causes the gas to ionize and create an electrical pulse that is counted by the device.

Related questions

Why must a Geiger Muller tube for detecting alpha particles have very high thin end window?

A high thin end window in a Geiger Muller tube for detecting alpha particles is required because alpha particles have low penetrating power and can be stopped by a thin layer of material. A thin window allows more alpha particles to enter the tube for detection, as compared to a thicker window that would block them.


What are some medical uses of radiation?

to detect radiation, a device such as Geiger- Muller tube is used


When radiation travels through the window of the geiger muller tube what happens so that the tube sends a signal that it has detected a particle?

When radiation enters the Geiger-Muller tube, it ionizes the gas inside. This ionization creates a conductive path that allows current to flow in the tube, triggering a voltage pulse that is counted as a particle detection event.


Does the geiger muller tube become radioactive?

no. as with anything in a contaminated area its surfacemay become contaminated, but this can and should be washed off.


Why should argon be at low pressure in the geiger muller tube?

Argon is used in the Geiger-Muller tube as a quenching gas to stop the discharge of ions after each pulse. Keeping argon at low pressure allows for efficient quenching of the ionization process. Higher pressure could interfere with the detection process by preventing the resetting of the tube after each detection event.


What is pulse current?

pulse of current is produced at every burst of radiation ending geiger muller tube. when this radiation hits the argon atoms; present in the tube electrons are knocked off.


How is alpha radiation detected?

Alpha radiation is typically detected using a particle detector such as a Geiger-Muller tube or a semiconductor detector. These detectors are sensitive to the ionization produced by the heavy and charged alpha particles as they pass through the detector material. The detector then converts this ionization into electrical signals that can be measured and analyzed.


Instrument for detecting radioactivity?

A Geiger counter is a commonly used instrument for detecting radioactivity. It measures ionizing radiation by detecting the ionization produced in the air by radioactive particles or rays. The device produces an audible clicking sound or visual display to indicate the presence of radiation.


What characteristic of radiation allows a Geiger counter to measure radiation levels?

A Geiger counter measures radiation levels by detecting ionizing radiation. When radiation interacts with the gas inside the Geiger-Muller tube, it causes the gas to ionize and create an electrical pulse that is counted by the device.


What is Geiger Muller scintillation?

Simply put, the Geiger-Müller (GM) detector or tube is the "business end" of a Geiger counter. It's the tube that the ionizing radiation "goes into" where it interacts with the gas inside to allow detection of the "count" or "pulse" of ionizing radiation. Use the links below to related articles and questions. The related questions in particular might be of value.


Why do we use a Geiger-Mueller tube?

A geiger-mueller tube is used in the detection of ionizing radiation.


If 600 counts are produced in one minute through a Geiger muller tube why have the counts decreased to 500 in a minute over a year?

Because the rate of the radioactive decomposition reaction has decreased.