What is the primary use of a survey meter?

The primary use of a survey meter is to measure radiation quickly in a specific area. These instruments are designed to provide immediate readings of radiation levels, allowing users to assess the radiation environment efficiently. This capability is crucial for identifying potential hazards, monitoring radiation levels in controlled or uncontrolled environments, and ensuring the safety of personnel working in areas where radiation exposure might occur.

Survey meters are equipped with detectors that respond to different types of radiation, enabling them to give real-time information about the radiation dose rate. This is essential in situations such as emergency response, radiation protection, and health physics, where prompt decisions need to be made based on accurate radiation measurements. Therefore, their role in quickly assessing radiation levels is fundamental to maintaining safety standards in various fields involving radiation.

The other options do not align with the primary function of a survey meter. Storing radiation samples, calibrating other devices, and monitoring temperature changes are outside the intended purpose of survey meters, which are specifically focused on radiation measurement.