A scaler just counts events. A ratemeter specifically determines how many
events occur in a particular interval of time. That means a scaler operated
for a specific time interval essentially becomes a ratemeter.
But a scaler does not have to be run for a specific time interval; it can
run for a specific number of events. If we want to give a sample a
particular dose of x-rays we might have a scaler counting the number of
x-rays passing through the target, and we end the exposure after the scaler
has reached a certain count rather than stopping the exposure at a certain
elapsed time.
Also, today scalers are inherently digital and ratemeters can be either
analog or digital.
Michael D. Edmiston, Ph.D. Phone/voice-mail: 419-358-3270
Professor of Chemistry & Physics FAX: 419-358-3323
Chairman, Science Department E-Mail edmiston@bluffton.edu
Bluffton College
280 West College Avenue
Bluffton, OH 45817