What is the measurement range that a Geiger counter is best suited for?

The measurement range of 0.1 mRem/hr to 100 mRem/hr is considered optimal for a Geiger counter because this range encompasses the levels of radiation commonly encountered in environmental monitoring and safety applications. Geiger counters are designed to detect low to moderate levels of ionizing radiation effectively, making them ideal for applications such as workplace safety checks, environmental monitoring, and assessing exposure levels.

In this range, the sensitivity of the Geiger counter meets the requirements for detecting radiation levels that could pose health risks without overwhelming the device with readings that are too high, which may lead to saturation or inaccurate readings.

The specific range also provides a good balance between the need for sensitivity to low radiation levels and the capability to measure higher levels without compromising accuracy. This is essential in various settings, including clinical environments, nuclear facilities, and research laboratories, where radiation safety is paramount.

The other ranges fall outside the optimal performance zone for typical Geiger counters. They may be too low or exceed the capacity of standard Geiger counters, which could affect the reliability and accuracy of the measurements.