Radiation detection is the process of identifying and measuring the presence of radiation in the environment. This is important for safety, as radiation can come from natural sources like cosmic rays or man-made sources such as nuclear power plants. Devices like Geiger counters and scintillation detectors are commonly used to monitor radiation levels, helping to protect people and the environment from harmful exposure.
These detection tools work by sensing particles or electromagnetic waves emitted by radioactive materials. When radiation interacts with the detector, it produces a signal that can be measured and displayed. Understanding radiation detection is crucial for various fields, including medical imaging, nuclear safety, and environmental monitoring.