Dose describes the total amount of radiation absorbed, usually measured in rem. Which statement is correct?

Dose describes the total amount of radiation absorbed, usually measured in rem. Which statement is correct?

• A. Gray (Gy)
• B. Roentgen (R)
• C. rem
• D. Sievert (Sv)

Answer: (C)

Dose is about how much energy is deposited in tissue, but to assess potential harm we use dose equivalent, which scales the absorbed dose by the type of radiation to reflect its biological effect. Historically, this was expressed in rem. The rem unit captures the concept of dose in terms of biological impact, which is why it’s the best fit for the statement. In modern terms, the Sievert serves the same purpose (1 Sv = 100 rem). The Gray measures the absorbed dose (energy per mass), Roentgen measures exposure in air, and Sievert is the SI unit for dose equivalent.

Dose is about how much energy is deposited in tissue, but to assess potential harm we use dose equivalent, which scales the absorbed dose by the type of radiation to reflect its biological effect. Historically, this was expressed in rem. The rem unit captures the concept of dose in terms of biological impact, which is why it’s the best fit for the statement. In modern terms, the Sievert serves the same purpose (1 Sv = 100 rem). The Gray measures the absorbed dose (energy per mass), Roentgen measures exposure in air, and Sievert is the SI unit for dose equivalent.