Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What does the RAD measure?

1. Energy lost

2. Energy absorbed by any target from any source

3. Exposure to radiation

4. Dose equivalent in air

The correct answer is: Energy absorbed by any target from any source

The RAD, which stands for Radiation Absorbed Dose, quantifies the amount of energy absorbed by a material when it is exposed to ionizing radiation. Specifically, it measures the energy deposited by radiation per unit mass of the material, regardless of the radiation's source. This makes it a valuable unit for understanding how much radiation has been absorbed by a particular target, such as human tissue or any other material. The RAD is not limited to exposure measurements; instead, it provides a more direct assessment of the impact of radiation in terms of energy transfer. This differentiation is crucial in radiation safety and medical contexts, where understanding the absorbed dose is essential for evaluating potential biological effects and determining safety protocols. The RAD's applicability across different types of radiation and targets further underscores its importance in radiation protection practices and research.