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A Geiger-Muller counter, often called a Geiger counter, is a widely used instrument in nuclear physics for detecting and measuring ionizing radiation. This device is essential in laboratories, nuclear power plants, medical facilities, and environmental monitoring stations to ensure radiation safety and study radioactive materials.
The Geiger-Muller counter is designed to detect charged particles and high-energy photons emitted by radioactive substances. Specifically, it can detect:
Alpha particles (helium nuclei)
Beta particles (electrons or positrons)
Gamma rays (high-energy photons)
X-rays (photons)
When ionizing radiation passes through the Geiger-Muller tube, it ionizes the gas inside. This creates a brief electrical pulse, which the instrument counts. The number of pulses indicates the level of radiation present. A speaker or display then gives a clicking sound or reading, showing the intensity of radiation detected.
However, the instrument has limitations:
Protons: Not typically detected directly because they are heavy and require specialized detectors.
Neutrons: Usually not detected by a standard Geiger counter, as neutrons are uncharged particles. Special neutron detectors are needed for this purpose.
Among the given options, photons (specifically gamma rays and X-rays) are accurately detected by a Geiger-Muller counter, along with other ionizing particles. This makes the device extremely useful for measuring radioactive contamination, radiation leaks, and exposure levels in various environments.
Thus, the correct answer is Photons, as they are a primary type of radiation detected by the Geiger-Muller counter.
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