Here's how it works:
* Ionization: Radiation interacts with gas inside the counter, ionizing the gas molecules and creating free electrons and ions.
* Electric Field: An electric field is applied across the gas. This field accelerates the electrons towards the anode (positive electrode) and ions towards the cathode (negative electrode).
* Avalanche Effect: The accelerated electrons collide with other gas molecules, causing them to ionize and create more electrons in a chain reaction (avalanche).
* Electric Current: This avalanche creates a measurable pulse of electric current that is amplified and registered by the counter.
The number of pulses per unit time is directly proportional to the intensity of the radiation being detected.
Let me know if you'd like to learn more about how Geiger counters work!
