Similarities

  • Detect the presence of a source of radiation
  • Monitor counts/interval (rate) as different thicknesses of a particular type of shielding are placed between the Geiger-Mueller tube of the Radiation Monitor and a beta or gamma source
  • Compare the effect of different types of materials to shield beta or gamma radiation
  • Set up a histogram with a very long run time to show students how initial randomness of data develops first in a Poisson distribution, and then into a Gaussian distribution curve
  • Measure radiation of common radioactive materials, such as lantern mantels or pre-World War II Fiestaware
  • Monitor variation in background radiation at different elevations
  • Monitor radioactivity in the environment over long periods of time
  • Monitor counts per interval (rate) from a beta or gamma radiation source as a function of the distance between the source and the Radiation Monitor
  • Sensor: LND 712 (or equivalent) halogen-quenched GM tube with a mica end window, with mass per unit area of 1.5 to 2.0 mg/cm2
  • Operating range CPS 0 – 3,500
  • Counting Detection: Blinking LED with optional audio signal

Differences

Go Direct Radiation Monitor (GDX-RAD) Vernier Radiation Monitor (VRM-BTD)
Power Source Rechargeable 300 mAh battery, charges via USB cable Does not require battery or AC power. Powered by Vernier interface.
Viewing Data Can be connected to a LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3, and Graphical Analysis or Graphical Analysis Pro (PC, Mac, Chrome, iOS, Android) Requires a Vernier LabQuest interface (any model) and compatible software (LabQuest app, Logger Pro, or Graphical Analysis, Graphical Analysis Pro)
Connection Type Bluetooth (iOS or Android) or USB cable (PC, Mac, or Chrome) BTD cable