How are radioactive isotopes detected?

Answer 1

They emit radiation as they decay.

That radiation is not generally detectable by human senses (unless it glows in a color range we can see).

We need lab instruments to detect the radiation such as:

1. Geiger Counter, with Geiger-Mueller (GM) Tube or Probe-A GM tube is a gas-filled device that, when a high voltage is applied, creates an electrical pulse when radiation interacts with the wall or gas in the tube. These pulses are converted to a reading on the instrument meter.
2. MicroR Meter, with Sodium Iodide Detector-A solid crystal of sodium iodide creates a pulse of light when radiation interacts with it. This pulse of light is converted to an electrical signal by a photomultiplier tube (PMT), which gives a reading on the instrument meter.
3. Ionization (Ion) Chamber-This is an air-filled chamber with an electrically conductive inner wall and central anode and a relatively low applied voltage. When primary ion pairs are formed in the air volume, from x-ray or gamma radiation interactions in the chamber wall, the central anode collects the electrons and a small current is generated. This in turn is measured by an electrometer circuit and displayed digitally or on an analog meter.
4. Neutron REM Meter, with Proportional Counter-A boron trifluoride or helium-3 proportional counter tube is a gas-filled device that, when a high voltage is applied, creates an electrical pulse when a neutron radiation interacts with the gas in the tube. The absorption of a neutron in the nucleus of boron-10 or helium-3 causes the prompt emission of a helium-4 nucleus or proton respectively. These charged particles can then cause ionization in the gas, which is collected as an electrical pulse, similar to the GM tube.

Answer 2

Radioactive isotopes are detected using instruments like Geiger counters, scintillation detectors, and gamma ray spectrometers. These devices can measure the emission of radiation given off by the radioactive isotopes and provide information on the type and amount of radiation being emitted.

Answer 3

It is detected using a Geiger Counter and is measured in Dobson Units. (DU)

Answer 4

Well there are several ways one is the taste in the air you can taste radation depending on the level. Radation meters can be used. sudden upset stomach over a long period of time.

Answer 5

Radioactivity may be detected easily by photographic plate but instruments are more accurate it is measured in Dobson units.

Answer 6

Radioactive isotopes can be detected with a geiger counter or a scintillation counter/detector.

Answer 7

Radiations emitted by these isotopes are detected.

Answer 8

Radioactive isotopes are detected by the study of the emitted radiations.

Answer 9

Geiger Counters are used