How does an ionization survey meter convert radiation current?

An ionization survey meter is designed to detect and measure ionizing radiation by utilizing the principle of ionization. When ionizing radiation passes through the detector of the meter, it interacts with the gas inside the ionization chamber, creating ion pairs (positively charged ions and negatively charged electrons). The meter then measures the resulting electrical current generated by these ion pairs.

The correct answer relates to how this electrical current is quantified. The device translates this current into radiation units, which can be expressed in various forms such as milliroentgens per hour or microsieverts per hour. This conversion allows users to understand the intensity of radiation in terms that are meaningful for safety and monitoring purposes.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the function of an ionization survey meter. The device does not convert the radiation current into temperature, pressure, or sound frequencies; it specifically processes the electrical signals generated by ionization and translates them into measurements of radiation exposure. Thus, the function of converting radiation current into units that reflect radiation levels is paramount, making the correct option vital for understanding how ionization survey meters operate.