What type of instrument is typically used to measure beta radiation?

Beta radiation is charged and can be detected effectively using instruments that respond to ionizing radiation. The Geiger-Muller counter is particularly well-suited for measuring beta radiation due to its design, which allows it to be sensitive to lower energy particles.

The functioning of the Geiger-Muller counter involves the ionization of gas within a tube when beta particles pass through it. This ionization produces an electrical pulse, which can be counted and translated into a reading that indicates the level of beta radiation present.

While other instruments such as ionization chambers and scintillation detectors can also measure beta radiation, the Geiger-Muller counter is more prevalent for this purpose because of its portability, ease of use, and ability to provide immediate readings. Dosimeters, on the other hand, are designed for personal monitoring and measure accumulated exposure over time rather than providing real-time data on beta radiation levels. This specificity makes the Geiger-Muller counter the preferred choice for measuring beta radiation in many settings.