Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What is commonly used to detect beta radiation?

1. Geiger counter

2. Scintillation detector

3. Dosimeter

4. Both A and B

The correct answer is: Both A and B

Beta radiation detection is commonly achieved through various devices, with the Geiger counter and scintillation detector being two of the most effective options. A Geiger counter is designed to detect ionizing radiation, including beta particles, by registering the electrical pulses produced when radiation interacts with the gas within the detector. This makes it particularly useful for identifying and measuring beta radiation in various environments. A scintillation detector operates on a different principle, where radiation interacts with certain materials, causing them to emit light (scintillation). This light is then converted into an electrical signal, allowing for the detection and measurement of beta radiation. Scintillation detectors can be more sensitive than Geiger counters and can provide a broader range of detection capabilities. Both the Geiger counter and scintillation detector are therefore widely used for detecting beta radiation, confirming that the combination of these two devices is appropriate for this purpose. The dosimeter, while important for measuring accumulated radiation dose over time, is not primarily used for the real-time detection of beta radiation.