10.1. Detection and Measurement of Radiation

• What does a Geiger-Müller (GM) tube detect?

  Ionizing radiation
• An ionization chamber measures the total charge collected from ionization events caused by radiation passing through a gas-filled chamber.
• What type of gas is commonly used in a GM tube?

  Argon or neon
• What type of detector detects ionizing radiation by producing an electrical pulse for each ionization event in a gas-filled chamber?

  Geiger-Müller (GM) Tube
• The choice of detector depends on the specific application and radiation environment
• What range of high voltage is typically applied across the chamber of a GM tube?

  500-1000V
• What state of alcohol vapor is created in a cloud chamber to visualize particle tracks?

  Supersaturation
• The gas-filled chamber of a GM tube contains a gas such as argon
• What is a common material used as a scintillator in scintillation counters?

  Sodium iodide
• A cloud chamber uses alcohol vapor to visualize radiation tracks.

  True
• What does the Sievert (Sv) measure?

  Equivalent radiation dose
• What type of material does a semiconductor detector use?

  Semiconductor material
• GM tubes are inexpensive and robust, making them suitable for basic radiation monitoring.


  True
• Steps in the operation of a GM tube

  1️⃣ Radiation enters the gas-filled chamber

  2️⃣ Radiation ionizes the gas, creating electron-ion pairs

  3️⃣ High voltage accelerates the ions

  4️⃣ Electrical pulse is generated
• Which detector measures the total charge collected from ionization events to provide an accurate measure of radiation dose?

  Ionization Chamber
• The gas in the chamber of a GM tube is at low pressure.


  True
• Match the components of a cloud chamber with their functions:

  Transparent Chamber ↔️ Encloses the saturated vapor

  Alcohol Source ↔️ Provides the vapor

  Cooling System ↔️ Maintains supersaturation
• What is the Geiger-Müller (GM) tube used for?

  Measuring ionizing radiation
• Scintillation counters convert radiation energy into flashes of light
• Scintillation counters are used in medical imaging such as PET, which stands for positron emission tomography
• The cooling system in a cloud chamber maintains the temperature gradient needed for supersaturation
• The Gray (Gy) measures the amount of energy deposited per unit mass
• Safety protocols when working with radiation detectors

  1️⃣ Handle with care

  2️⃣ Store in a secure area

  3️⃣ Wear appropriate PPE

  4️⃣ Dispose of materials properly
• A scintillation detector uses a photomultiplier tube to detect flashes of light.


  True
• Match the radiation detector with its key feature:

  Geiger-Müller (GM) Tube ↔️ Produces electrical pulses

  Scintillation Detector ↔️ Converts radiation into light

  Semiconductor Detector ↔️ Uses electrical signals directly

  Ionization Chamber ↔️ Measures total charge
• Each ionization event in a GM tube triggers an electrical pulse that is amplified and counted.


  True
• A semiconductor detector offers high sensitivity and good energy resolution.


  True
• Steps in the operation of a Geiger-Müller (GM) tube

  1️⃣ Radiation enters the gas-filled chamber

  2️⃣ Ionization events produce electrical pulses

  3️⃣ Electrical pulses are amplified

  4️⃣ Electrical pulses are counted
• In a scintillation counter, light flashes are amplified by a photomultiplier tube.

  True
• The sensitivity of a radiation detector is the only factor determining its suitability for an application.

  False
• GM tubes are expensive and complex to operate.

  False
• What is a key advantage of using scintillation counters?

  High sensitivity
• Steps in the operation of a cloud chamber

  1️⃣ Create supersaturated alcohol vapor

  2️⃣ Ionizing radiation passes through vapor

  3️⃣ Liquid droplets form along particle tracks

  4️⃣ Tracks are illuminated for observation
• What does the Becquerel (Bq) measure?

  Rate of radioactive decay
• 1 Sv is equal to 1 Gy for all types of radiation.

  False
• A scintillation detector converts radiation energy into flashes of light
• A GM tube applies a high voltage, typically between 500 and 1000V, across the chamber.
• A scintillation detector converts radiation energy into flashes of light
• What happens inside the gas-filled chamber of a GM tube when radiation passes through it?

  Ionization
• GM tubes are commonly used for basic radiation monitoring