How does a Geiger counter detect radiation, and why does it make that clicking noise?
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When ionizing radiation strikes air, it knocks an electron free. Under high voltage, this electron will go flying and strike more electrons off of more atoms, causing an avalanche.
This avalanche allows an electrical arc to form in air. This arc is hooked up to a speaker and an arrestor, so it makes a click and then lets the air settle back to its normal state to await the next event.
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