Understanding Geiger-Muller Counters: How Do They Detect Radiation?

[Blockmeister]

Homework Statement

Detection of radiation by a Geiger-Muller counter depends on what?
a.
the emission of a photon from an excited atom
b.
the ability of an ionized gas to carry an electrical charge
c.
the detection of the sound made by decay particles
d.
the ability of a photomultiplier tube to amplify the electrical signal from a phosphor
e.
the emission of a photon of light by the radioactive particle

I think it is b, but the wording is what throws me off.

 

[collinsmark]

Homework Statement

Detection of radiation by a Geiger-Muller counter depends on what?
a.
the emission of a photon from an excited atom
b.
the ability of an ionized gas to carry an electrical charge
c.
the detection of the sound made by decay particles
d.
the ability of a photomultiplier tube to amplify the electrical signal from a phosphor
e.
the emission of a photon of light by the radioactive particle

I think it is b, but the wording is what throws me off.

You might be right. But can you explain your reasoning as to why it might be (b), and why the correct answer would not be any of the others?