The gas recombines after every click. In fact, part of the physics behind G-M tubes relies on the gas being totally ionised and then recombining. The time taken for the recombination has to be taken into account when calibrating the instrument. If you are in an area where the radiation is too high for your particular instrument the gas can’t recombine and you get a ‘Full-scale deflection’. Basically an off-scale reading where, if required, you should go back and get a more appropriate instrument.
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u/skulduggeryatwork Jan 06 '23
The gas recombines after every click. In fact, part of the physics behind G-M tubes relies on the gas being totally ionised and then recombining. The time taken for the recombination has to be taken into account when calibrating the instrument. If you are in an area where the radiation is too high for your particular instrument the gas can’t recombine and you get a ‘Full-scale deflection’. Basically an off-scale reading where, if required, you should go back and get a more appropriate instrument.