How does a Geiger counter detect radiation, and why does it make that clicking noise?

Question

How does a Geiger counter detect radiation, and why does it make that clicking noise?

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Answer 1

You know those bug zappers that look like a badminton racquet? That’s a good analogy to a geiger-mueller detector. There is a high voltage between two screens. When a bug gets between them, there is no longer enough insulating distance and a spark flies between the two screens, zapping the bug.

With a geiger counter, an ionized particle causes that high voltage discharge instead of a mosquito. The click is just a convenient way to know that audibly indicate that the discharge has occurred. The faster the discharges/clicks, the more radiation there is.