Radiation Safety Practice Exam

How is the absorbed dose of radiation typically expressed?

1. Grays

2. Sieverts

3. Bits

4. Ergs

The correct answer is: Grays

The absorbed dose of radiation is typically expressed in Grays (Gy). This unit quantifies the amount of radiation energy absorbed per kilogram of material, particularly biological tissue. One Gray is defined as the absorption of one joule of radiation energy by one kilogram of matter. This measurement is crucial for understanding the potential biological effects of radiation exposure since it directly relates to the energy deposited in living tissues that can lead to damage. The other units mentioned, such as Sieverts, measure the biological effect of radiation, taking into account the type of radiation and its impact on human health. Bits and ergs are not units used for measuring absorbed doses of radiation; bits relate to digital information, while ergs measure energy but are not standard for radiation exposure assessments in health physics contexts. Thus, Grays serve as the standard unit for reporting absorbed dose in radiation safety practices.