Radiation Safety Practice Exam

Which type of radiation detectors typically provide accurate measurements for low energy beta radiation?

1. Gas detectors

2. Liquid scintillation counters

3. Geiger-Muller counters

4. Sodium iodide detectors

The correct answer is: Liquid scintillation counters

Liquid scintillation counters are particularly effective for measuring low energy beta radiation because they operate on the principle of detecting light produced when beta particles interact with a scintillation liquid. This type of liquid is designed to be sensitive to low energy interactions, making it highly suitable for capturing the low-energy beta emissions that may be difficult for other detectors to identify accurately. When beta particles pass through the scintillation material, they excite the molecules, which then emit light that can be detected and quantified. Moreover, liquid scintillation counting offers the advantage of being able to differentiate between different types of radiation and can provide information on the energy of the detected beta particles, enhancing measurement accuracy. This is especially beneficial in applications where precision is paramount, such as in environmental monitoring or biological studies where low-energy beta emitters might be present.