What is the purpose of using a Geiger-Muller counter?

The Geiger-Muller counter is specifically designed to detect and measure ionizing radiation levels. This device operates by detecting charged particles or photons emitted from radioactive materials. When radiation passes through the Geiger-Muller tube, it ionizes the gas inside, resulting in a measurable electrical impulse. This impulse is then counted and displayed, giving a direct reading of the radiation levels in the environment.

The primary application of a Geiger-Muller counter is in radiation safety, where monitoring radiation levels is crucial for ensuring safety protocols are followed, especially in environments where exposure to radioactive materials may occur. The ability to provide immediate readings makes it an invaluable tool in fields such as nuclear energy, medical facilities, and environmental monitoring, where awareness of ionizing radiation is essential for health and safety.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the Geiger-Muller counter’s function. Cleaning contaminated surfaces pertains to decontamination methods, recording temperature levels would require a thermometer, and analyzing chemical properties would be the role of chemical analytical instruments. Thus, the use of a Geiger-Muller counter is clearly focused on radiation detection and measurement.