Question

Which of the following is not a method of detection and measurement of radioactivity? (a) Slater method (b) Wilson cloud chamber method (c) Geiger-Muller counter (d) Scintillation method

Short answer

The Slater method is not a method of detection and measurement of radioactivity.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Detection Methods

Identify the commonly used methods in detecting and measuring radioactivity. These methods include the Wilson cloud chamber method, the Geiger-Muller counter, and the Scintillation method.

Examine Each Method

Examine each method. The Wilson cloud chamber method visualizes the passage of ionizing radiation. The Geiger-Muller counter measures ionizing radiation. The Scintillation method detects radiation by capturing the light produced by radiation interaction with the scintillator material.

Identify the Non-detection Method

Identify the method that is not used for detecting and measuring radioactivity. The Slater method is a method used to analyse the structure of molecules but is not a method to detect or measure radioactivity.

Key concepts

Wilson cloud chamber

The Wilson cloud chamber is a fascinating instrument for visualizing ionizing radiation. It works by allowing charged particles to leave visible tracks as they pass through a supersaturated vapor. These tracks are formed because the particles cause the vapor to condense, creating tiny droplets that reveal their path through the chamber. This method was historically revolutionary for studying radioactive particles and their behavior.

Key aspects of the Wilson cloud chamber include:

• Condensation of supersaturated vapor along ion paths
• Visualization of ionizing particle tracks
• Ability to study a variety of charged particles

Although this method is not commonly used for practical detection today, it laid the groundwork for understanding radiation.

Geiger-Muller counter

The Geiger-Muller counter is one of the most traditional tools for detecting ionizing radiation. It operates by counting the number of ionizing events within a gas-filled tube, known as the Geiger-Muller tube. When radiation passes through, it ionizes the gas, creating an electrical pulse that is registered as a count.

Key features of the Geiger-Muller counter:

• Detects alpha, beta, and gamma radiation
• Converts ionizing events into electrical pulses
• Widely used for radiation surveys and safety

The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the Geiger-Muller counter make it a popular choice for personal dosimeters and field use.

Scintillation method

The Scintillation method involves the detection of radiation through light emissions produced when a radioactive particle interacts with a scintillator material. These materials emit small flashes of light when struck by radiation, and these flashes are then captured by a photomultiplier tube to be converted into electrical signals.

Benefits of the Scintillation method include:

• High sensitivity to different types of radiation
• Ability to measure energy levels of radiation
• Fast response times

Due to its accuracy and ability to identify energy levels, the Scintillation method is often used in medical imaging and nuclear physics studies.

Radioactivity measurement

Measuring radioactivity involves quantifying the intensity or energy of radiation being emitted from a source. Different methods, like the ones discussed, are used depending on the type and amount of radiation expected. For example, while Geiger-Muller counters are great for measuring overall radiation levels, scintillation counters can provide more detailed energy information.

Factors in radioactivity measurement include:

• The type of radiation (e.g., alpha, beta, gamma)
• The expected energy levels
• The environmental conditions affecting detection

Understanding these factors ensures more accurate and effective radioactivity measurements, essential for safety and scientific study.

Ionizing radiation detection

Detecting ionizing radiation is vital for protecting human health and understanding environmental radiation levels. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating ions. Each detection method has its unique way of identifying this interaction.

Challenges in ionizing radiation detection involve:

• Maintaining sensitivity to low levels of radiation
• Distinguishing between various radiation types
• Ensuring detectors remain reliable in varying conditions

Effective ionizing radiation detection is crucial in industries like healthcare, nuclear power, and environmental science to ensure safety and advance research.