What is Geiger counter?
A Geiger counter is a type of particle detector that measures ionizing radiation. It is also called a Geiger-Müller counter. It is used to detect nuclear radiation that some objects could emit.
A Geiger counter contains a metal tube with a thin metal wire along its middle. The space in between is sealed and filled with a suitable gas (usually helium, neon or argon with halogens added) and with the wire at about +1000 volts.
Because of the extreme sensitivity, the Geiger counter is ideal for measuring even very low levels of radiations.
The Geiger counter is widely used in physics, astronomy, and the medical industry. For example, the astronomer use Geiger counters to measure low level of cosmic rays. The geologists locate radioactive minerals with help of Geiger counters.
