With the aid of a labelled diagram, describe the operation of a Geiger-Muller (GM) tube 

With the aid of a labelled diagram, describe the operation of a Geiger-Muller (GM) tube

The thin mica window allows the passage and detection of the weak penetrating alpha particles. The GM tube is first evacuated then filled with Neon, Argon plus Halogen gas which is used as a quenching agent.

Mode of operation

• When an ionizing particle enters the tube through the window, argon atoms are ionized.
• The electrons move to the anode while the positive ions drift to the cathode.
• A discharge occurs and the current flows in the external circuit.
• A p.d is obtained across a large resistance, R which is amplified and passed to the scale.
• The magnitude of the pulse registered gives the extent to which ionization occurred.

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