Chapter 25, Problem 54A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: People rely on devices such as Geiger counters to detect radiation to be explained.

Concept Introduction: Radioisotopes generate radiation with sufficient energy to ionize a struck substance by removing electrons from some of its atoms. The commonly used devices to detect radiations are scintillation counters, Geiger counters, and film badges.

Answer to Problem 54A

People rely on devices such as Geiger counters to detect radiation because the radiation cannot be felt, seen, or heard.

Explanation of Solution

Ionizing radiation is the name for the radiation that radioisotopes emit.

Ionizing radiation cannot be perceived by humans through sight, hearing, smell, or touch.

Therefore, to be alerted of the existence of radiation and to keep track of its level, people must rely on detection instruments.

These instruments function as a result of the radiation's actions on the atoms or molecules in the detector.

Radiation is detected by a Geiger counter using a metal tube filled with gas.

The gas inside the tube is ionized when ionizing radiation enters through a small window at one end.

It is able to pick up gamma, beta, and alpha radiation.