How do Geiger counters measure radiation exposure?

Geiger counters measure radiation exposure primarily by counting pulses of electrical current that are generated when ionizing radiation interacts with the detector within the device. When particles from radiation pass through the Geiger-Müller tube, they ionize the gas inside the tube. This ionization event creates free electrons and positive ions, which are then attracted to an electric field within the tube. The movement of these charged particles generates an electrical pulse, and the Geiger counter records these pulses. The frequency of these pulses correlates directly to the intensity of the radiation exposure, allowing users to quantify the radiation levels in a specific environment.

This method is particularly effective for detecting different types of ionizing radiation, including alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays, making Geiger counters a widely used instrument for monitoring radiation safety and exposure.