What type of radiation is detected using a Geiger counter?

A Geiger counter is capable of detecting various types of radiation, including alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. It works by using a Geiger-Müller tube, which ionizes the gas inside when radiation passes through. This ionization generates an electric pulse that is counted, allowing the device to measure the intensity of the radiation.

Alpha radiation consists of positively charged particles and has low penetration power, being stopped by a sheet of paper or even human skin. Beta radiation consists of electrons or positrons and has greater penetration than alpha radiation but can be stopped by materials such as plastic or glass. Gamma radiation is electromagnetic radiation with high penetrating power, requiring dense materials like lead or several centimeters of concrete for shielding.

Since the Geiger counter can register and measure all three types of radiation, it is effective in a wide range of applications, from monitoring environmental radiation to checking the safety of materials used in medical treatments. Therefore, it is accurate to say that the Geiger counter detects all of the mentioned types of radiation.