Question:
The Geiger-Muller counter is a device to detect \(\alpha\), \(\beta\), and \(\gamma\) radiations. It is a cylindrical tube filled with monatomic gases like argon, and polyatomic gases such as ethyl alcohol. The inner electrode is along the axis of the cylindrical tube and the outer electrode is the tube. Which of the following statements is/are CORRECT?
The Geiger-Muller counter is a device to detect \(\alpha\), \(\beta\), and \(\gamma\) radiations. It is a cylindrical tube filled with monatomic gases like argon, and polyatomic gases such as ethyl alcohol. The inner electrode is along the axis of the cylindrical tube and the outer electrode is the tube. Which of the following statements is/are CORRECT?
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The Geiger-Muller tube uses argon as the ionizing gas, ethyl alcohol as a quenching gas, and a decreasing electric field from the center to the edge to detect radiation effectively.
Updated On: Aug 30, 2025
- Argon is used so that ambient light coming from the surroundings do not produce any signal in the detector
- Ethyl alcohol is used as a quenching gas
- The electric field strength decreases from the axis to the edge of the tube and the direction of the field is radially outward
- The electric field increases from the axis to the edge of the tube and the field direction is radially inward
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
- (A) Argon is used so that ambient light coming from the surroundings do not produce any signal in the detector:
Argon is chosen because it is an inert gas, which does not interact with ambient light. This prevents false signals from the environment.
- (B) Ethyl alcohol is used as a quenching gas:
Ethyl alcohol is used as a quenching gas to absorb excess energy and stop the ionization process, making the detection more efficient.
- (C) The electric field strength decreases from the axis to the edge of the tube and the direction of the field is radially outward:
In a Geiger-Muller tube, the electric field strength decreases as we move from the center to the edge. The field lines are directed radially outward, guiding the ionized electrons towards the electrode.
- (D) The electric field increases from the axis to the edge of the tube and the field direction is radially inward:
This is incorrect because the electric field decreases as we move radially outward from the central electrode. The field direction is radially outward, not inward.
Argon is chosen because it is an inert gas, which does not interact with ambient light. This prevents false signals from the environment.
- (B) Ethyl alcohol is used as a quenching gas:
Ethyl alcohol is used as a quenching gas to absorb excess energy and stop the ionization process, making the detection more efficient.
- (C) The electric field strength decreases from the axis to the edge of the tube and the direction of the field is radially outward:
In a Geiger-Muller tube, the electric field strength decreases as we move from the center to the edge. The field lines are directed radially outward, guiding the ionized electrons towards the electrode.
- (D) The electric field increases from the axis to the edge of the tube and the field direction is radially inward:
This is incorrect because the electric field decreases as we move radially outward from the central electrode. The field direction is radially outward, not inward.
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