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Is the Geiger-Mueller counter output independent of energy?

A) Yes.
B) No.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The Geiger-Mueller counter's output is generally independent of the energy of the radiation; it measures the radiation intensity by ionization in the Geiger-Mueller tube without identifying radiation type or energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The output of a Geiger-Mueller counter is generally independent of the energy of the radiation detected. The instrument detects and measures radiation by the ionization produced in a Geiger-Mueller tube. When voltage is applied between the cylinder and wire in the Geiger tube, it affects ions and electrons produced by radiation passing through the gas-filled cylinder—ions move toward the cylinder, and electrons toward the wire. The resulting current is detected and registered as a count. However, it is important to note that Geiger counters are typically used for prompt monitoring of radiation levels and generally give only relative intensity, not identifying the type or energy of the radiation. Therefore, the answer to the original question is A) Yes.

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