Which statement describes the RAD meter's detectors?

• A. It only detects gamma radiation
• B. It detects beta radiation only
• C. It detects alpha, beta, and gamma radiation
• D. It detects neutron radiation only

Answer: (C)

Rad meters are designed to monitor the main types of ionizing radiation you’d encounter in practice. Their detectors—often a Geiger-Maüller tube or a similar sensor—respond to alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Alpha detection depends on having a thin window since alpha particles don’t travel far, beta particles produce ionization as they pass through the detector, and gamma rays interact to create ionization within the detector material. Because a typical RAD meter aims to measure exposure from all three of these common radiation types, describing the detectors as detecting alpha, beta, and gamma radiation is the most accurate. Neutron detection requires different sensors, which is why neutron-only is not fitting.