What is the purpose of a Geiger-Muller (GM) tube in radiation detection?

The function of a Geiger-Muller (GM) tube is fundamentally centered around its capability to detect and measure ionizing radiation. It operates by counting ionization events that occur when radiation passes through the tube and interacts with the gas inside it. When an ionizing particle or photon enters the GM tube, it ionizes the gas molecules, creating positive ions and electrons. These charged particles are then collected and amplified, resulting in a detectable electrical pulse. Each of these pulses corresponds to an ionization event, allowing the GM tube to provide a count of radiation levels in its environment. This makes it an essential tool in various fields, including health physics, environmental monitoring, and nuclear industry applications, where understanding radiation exposure is critical.

The GM tube is specifically designed for this purpose and does not function to filter out non-ionizing radiation, radiate gamma rays, or merely amplify electrical signals without the context of counting ionization events. These activities represent different functions or misconceptions about how radiation detection should be performed.