Geiger counters - different models?
- Thread starter TheCenturion
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Why do you need a geiger counter?
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- 18 Mar 2008
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I don't need one, already used it for it's purpose
I was measuring emissions from a protactinium generator.
Soldato
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- 7 Feb 2004
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I don't need one, already used it for it's purpose
I was measuring emissions from a protactinium generator.
I thought you were making that element up...
How have I never heard of it before?!
There is a difference between accuracy and sensitivity. As far as Geiger counters go, a more sensitive one will make noises more frequently.
Accuracy is a different thing, I'm not sure how often they give false positives (suspect never) or what fraction of the radiation they sample. I think the latter is a problem, radiation wont be emitted uniformly and it's likely that a variable fraction passes clear through the counter without setting it off.
I would hazard a guess that none of them are accurate in any terribly meaningful sense, they'll show general trends but that's all. They should vary considerably in sensitivity however.
Accuracy is a different thing, I'm not sure how often they give false positives (suspect never) or what fraction of the radiation they sample. I think the latter is a problem, radiation wont be emitted uniformly and it's likely that a variable fraction passes clear through the counter without setting it off.
I would hazard a guess that none of them are accurate in any terribly meaningful sense, they'll show general trends but that's all. They should vary considerably in sensitivity however.