What type of radiation does a dosimeter primarily measure?

A dosimeter is specifically designed to measure ionizing radiation, which includes alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and X-rays. The primary function of a dosimeter is to quantify the exposure of an individual to this type of radiation over a specified period, which is crucial for ensuring safety in environments where radiation is present.

Ionizing radiation has sufficient energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating ions and potentially causing biological harm. This is why monitoring ionizing radiation exposure is critical in fields such as healthcare, nuclear energy, and radiation protection.

While electromagnetic radiation is a broader category that includes ionizing types (e.g., gamma rays) and non-ionizing types (e.g., visible light, radio waves), dosimeters do not measure all electromagnetic radiation types indiscriminately. Similarly, non-ionizing radiation, which includes lower-energy forms like UV light and microwaves, is not the primary concern for dosimeters, as they are designed to interact specifically with ionizing radiation and its biological effects.

Alpha radiation refers specifically to one type of ionizing radiation; thus, a dosimeter's function is much broader, encompassing all types of ionizing radiation rather than measuring just one specific type.