How do we detect nuclear radiation?

Nuclear radiation can be detected through the use of Geiger-Muller tubes or scintillation detectors.

Nuclear radiation is a form of energy that is emitted from unstable atomic nuclei. It can take the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. To detect nuclear radiation, various instruments are used. One of the most common is the Geiger-Muller tube, which consists of a gas-filled tube with a wire electrode in the centre. When radiation enters the tube, it ionizes the gas, causing a pulse of current to flow between the electrode and the tube wall. This pulse is then amplified and counted by a device, which gives a measure of the radiation intensity.

Another type of detector is the scintillation detector, which uses a crystal that emits light when struck by radiation. This light is then detected by a photomultiplier tube, which converts it into an electrical signal that can be measured. Scintillation detectors are often used in medical imaging, such as in PET scans, where they can detect the gamma rays emitted by radioactive tracers.

In addition to these detectors, there are also dosimeters, which are used to measure the amount of radiation that a person has been exposed to. Dosimeters can be worn by workers in nuclear power plants or medical facilities to ensure that they are not exposed to dangerous levels of radiation.

Overall, the detection of nuclear radiation is an important aspect of nuclear physics and radiation safety. By using these various instruments, scientists and workers can ensure that they are protected from the harmful effects of radiation.