Radiation Safety Practice Exam

One RAD is equivalent to how many ergs of energy per gram of absorbing material?

1. 1 erg

2. 10 ergs

3. 100 ergs

4. 1000 ergs

The correct answer is: 100 ergs

One RAD, which stands for Radiation Absorbed Dose, is defined as the absorption of 100 ergs of energy per gram of absorbing material. This measurement is used to quantify the amount of energy that ionizing radiation imparts to matter, specifically biological tissue. The RAD is a historical unit of measurement in radiation safety and dosimetry, providing an important link between the physical energy deposited by radiation and its potential biological effects. The basis for this definition stems from the need to standardize the effects of radiation on living tissue. By establishing a clear relationship between energy absorption and radiation dose, professionals can assess potential damage and develop appropriate safety protocols. The other options do not align with this standard definition of RAD, indicating either significantly lower or higher amounts of energy absorption than what is recognized in radiation safety practices. This context reinforces why the choice of 100 ergs per gram accurately captures the accepted standard for one RAD.