ASNT Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Practice Test

Which of the following devices is used to detect and measure ionizing radiation?

1. Geiger-Muller tube

2. Personal protective equipment

3. Noise monitor

4. Surface contamination detector

The correct answer is: Geiger-Muller tube

The Geiger-Muller tube is an essential instrument used for detecting and measuring ionizing radiation. This device operates based on the principle of gas ionization; when ionizing radiation passes through the tube, it ionizes the gas inside, creating charged particles. This process generates an electrical pulse that can be counted and displayed as a measure of radiation levels present in an environment. The Geiger-Muller tube is widely recognized for its sensitivity to different types of radiation, including alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, making it a versatile choice in various applications, particularly in industrial radiography and radiation safety practice. Its ability to provide real-time feedback on radiation levels helps ensure that individuals working in environments with radioactive materials can take appropriate safety measures. In contrast, personal protective equipment, while crucial for health and safety, does not measure radiation; it is designed to protect individuals from exposure. Similarly, a noise monitor is not relevant to radiation detection as it measures sound levels rather than ionizing radiation. A surface contamination detector, while related to radiation safety, is specifically focused on measuring radioactive contamination on surfaces rather than direct radiation levels in the environment.