What does a Geiger-Muller counter primarily detect?

A Geiger-Muller counter is specifically designed to detect ionizing radiation, which includes alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. It operates by using a gas-filled tube that ionizes to produce an electrical pulse when radiation passes through. This pulse can then be counted, providing a measurement of radiation levels.

The nature of ionizing radiation is key to understanding the effectiveness of the Geiger-Muller counter. Ionizing radiation carries enough energy to displace electrons from atoms, creating charged particles that are detected by the instrument. The ability to measure different types of radioactivity is crucial for radiation safety, environmental monitoring, and various applications in medicine and industry.

The other options involve phenomena outside the scope of what a Geiger-Muller counter can measure. For instance, magnetic fields pertain to the magnetic forces exerted by electric currents or magnetic materials, which is unrelated to ionizing radiation detection. Electrical currents are the flow of electric charge in conductors, and while relevant in various contexts, they are not detected by this counter. Sound waves relate to mechanical vibrations in materials and also do not intersect with the capabilities of this radiation detection tool. Focusing on the specific function of the Geiger-Muller counter clarifies why it is primarily used for detecting