The first device that comes to mind as a radiation detector (for use in schools) is probably the Geiger-Mueller (GM) tube. Although GM tubes can be used to detect all three types of ionising nuclear radiation (alpha, beta and gamma) they are subject to some important limitations. These shortcomings will be discussed below, together with … Continue reading Radiation detectors
Does radiation make things radioactive?
The short answer is “no” but the devil is always in the detail. Firstly, “radiation” here applies specifically to ionising radiation; alpha particles, beta particles and gamma photons. In particular, we are excluding non-ionising nuclear radiation in the form of neutrons, which definitely can turn previously stable nuclei into radioactive materials. This effect is a … Continue reading Does radiation make things radioactive?
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