Difference between revisions of "Geiger counter"
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| − | A '''Geiger counter''' (or '''Geiger–Müller counter''') is an instrument that is used for the measure of [[Radiation safety|radiation]]. | + | A '''Geiger counter''' (or '''Geiger–Müller counter''') is an instrument that is used for the measure of [[Radiation safety|radiation]]. It was invented by Hans Geiger, who is perhaps more famous among physicists (though not the general public) for the [[Geiger-Marsden experiment]], which was the experiment that led Ernest Rutherford to deduce the existence of the atomic nucleus. |
==Construction== | ==Construction== | ||
Revision as of 15:54, May 5, 2015
A Geiger counter (or Geiger–Müller counter) is an instrument that is used for the measure of radiation. It was invented by Hans Geiger, who is perhaps more famous among physicists (though not the general public) for the Geiger-Marsden experiment, which was the experiment that led Ernest Rutherford to deduce the existence of the atomic nucleus.
Construction
A Geiger counter consists of an cylindrical metal tube, the Cathode, with an wire, the Anode, in it. The wire is fixed at a small opening at the side. The whole container includes a filling gas and does only work, when it´s affiliated to a power source.
Function
As the Geiger counter is associated to the power source, an electric field arises. Upon the penetration of radioactive radiation through the opening, the filling gas gets ionized. In case of the electric field the ions move to the Geiger counter wall, while the electrons go to the wire. The electrons become faster and turn into an electron avalanche. This electron avalanche causes a current surge, that can be registered by the counter.