Chapter 16, Problem 6RAT

To determine

The correct option for the statement “A friend produces a Geiger counter to check the local background radiation. It ticks. Another friend, who normally fears most that which is understood least, makes an effort to keep away from the region of the Geiger counter and looks to you for advice. What do you say?”.

Answer to Problem 6RAT

The correct option for the statement “A friend produces a Geiger counter to check the local background radiation. It ticks. Another friend, who normally fears most that which is understood least, makes an effort to keep away" from the region of the Geiger counter and looks to you for advice. What do you say?” is option (c).

Explanation of Solution

A Geiger counter is a device that identifies any ionizing radiation. It has a tube filled with inert gas. Electrons are produced when ionizing radiation passes through the gas. Thus, a Geiger counter detects ionizing radiation when the gas becomes conductive due to the emission of electrons from the gas.

The Geiger counter made by the friend is ticked because it detected local background radiation. The Geiger counter does not emit radiations; it detects radiations.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct option for the statement “A friend produces a Geiger counter to check the local background radiation. It ticks. Another friend, who normally fears most that which is understood least, makes an effort to keep away from the region of the Geiger counter and looks to you for advice. What do you say?” is option (c).