Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

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Prepare for the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations. Enhance your readiness with comprehensive questions and answers, accessible hints, and detailed explanations. Ace your test and set the stage for a successful teaching career in Florida!

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What instrument is used to detect radioactivity?

  1. Barometer

  2. Thermometer

  3. Geiger counter

  4. Altimeter

The correct answer is: Geiger counter

The Geiger counter is specifically designed to measure and detect radioactivity. It operates by using a gas-filled tube that becomes conductive of electricity when it is ionized by radiation. When ionizing radiation passes through the tube, it generates a pulse of current which is then counted and displayed, typically producing an audible click or beep for each particle detected. This allows for real-time monitoring of radioactive levels in a given area, making the Geiger counter an essential tool in fields such as nuclear energy, medical health, and environmental science where monitoring radiation is crucial. In contrast, the other instruments serve different purposes: a barometer measures atmospheric pressure, a thermometer measures temperature, and an altimeter measures altitude. Each of these instruments is specialized for its respective measurement, and none have the capability to detect or measure radiation levels.