Final answer:
Three units used to measure absorbed doses of radiation are the gray (Gy), the rad (rd), and the rem (rem), each serving specific requirements in gauging energy absorption and potential biological impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
When measuring the amount of absorbed radiation for occupational doses or radiation therapy, three specific units are generally used: gray (Gy), rad (rd), and rem (rem).
Absorbed Radiation Measurement Units
- Gray (Gy): This is the SI unit for absorbed dose, where 1 Gy is equal to 1 Joule of energy absorbed per kilogram of tissue. It directly quantifies the energy transferred to matter by ionizing radiation.
- Rad (radiation absorbed dose): Commonly used in medical contexts, 1 rad is defined as the absorption of 0.01 Joules of energy per kilogram of tissue (or 0.01 Gy).
- Rem (roentgen equivalent man): This unit accounts for the biological impact of the absorbed radiation. While it factors in the energy absorption measured by rad or Gy, it also incorporates a biological factor known as the relative biological effectiveness (RBE), providing a dimension to the potential damage to human tissue. For reference, 1 Sv equals 100 rem.
A clear understanding of these units is crucial for properly assessing radiation exposure levels in health and safety protocols, as well as therapeutic applications.