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A device used to measure radioactivity is called a Geiger-Muller counter or Geiger counter. It's an instrument that detects ionizing radiation such as alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. The basic principle behind its operation involves the ionization of gas molecules within the device when radiation interacts with them. This ionization produces an electrical pulse that is then amplified and counted, indicating the presence and intensity of the radiation. Geiger counters are widely used in various fields, including nuclear physics, medicine, environmental monitoring, and nuclear power plants, to measure and monitor levels of radiation.
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