Study for the Radiation Safety Exam. Test your knowledge with multiple choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively and confidently!

Practice this question and more.


One roentgen of exposure produces how many ion pairs per cubic centimeter of dry air?

  1. 1.00 billion

  2. 2.08 billion

  3. 3.50 billion

  4. 5.00 billion

The correct answer is: 2.08 billion

One roentgen of exposure is defined as the amount of ionizing radiation required to produce a certain quantity of ion pairs in air. Specifically, it generates approximately 2.08 billion ion pairs per cubic centimeter of dry air. This measurement is crucial because it reflects the biological effect of exposure to gamma rays or X-rays in air, which can help assess the potential for radiation-related health risks. Understanding this number is important for radiation safety practices, as it allows professionals to quantify the exposure levels and correlate them with potential biological impacts. This knowledge aids in establishing safety protocols and standards to protect individuals from excessive radiation exposure.