Radiation Safety Practice Exam

In instrumentation, what does the cable do?

1. It powers the detector

2. It carries the signal to the meter

3. It amplifies the radiation readings

4. It measures the distance of radiation exposure

The correct answer is: It carries the signal to the meter

The primary role of the cable in instrumentation is to carry the signal from the radiation detector to the meter or readout device. When a detector senses radiation, it generates electrical signals that represent the detected radiation levels. These signals need to be transmitted to a meter for interpretation and display, which is where the cable comes into play. It ensures that the signals are effectively and reliably conveyed without significant loss or interference, allowing for accurate readings that reflect the radiation exposure. The other choices involve functionalities that are not the primary role of the cable. For instance, powering the detector is typically the responsibility of a power source, while amplifying readings is usually done within the detector or its associated circuitry. Measuring the distance of radiation exposure is also not a function of the cable; such measurements are performed by different types of sensors designed specifically for that purpose. Thus, the correct answer focuses on the cable's fundamental role in signal transmission.