What is the unit of measurement for radiation exposure in air?

Question

Question

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Roentgen

Rationale:

The Roentgen (R) is a unit of measurement for the exposure of X-rays and gamma rays in air. It measures the amount of ionization produced in a specific volume of air by these types of radiation.
It is defined as the quantity of radiation that produces one electrostatic unit of charge in one cubic centimeter of dry air at standard temperature and pressure.
Named after Wilhelm Röntgen, who discovered X-rays, the Roentgen is primarily used in radiography and radiation protection.

Explanation of Other Options:

Sievert

Rationale: The Sievert (Sv) is a unit used to measure the health effect of ionizing radiation on the human body. It takes into account the type of radiation and its impact on different tissues, making it a unit of effective dose rather than exposure.

Becquerel

Rationale: The Becquerel (Bq) is a unit of radioactivity that measures the rate of radioactive decay. One Becquerel is defined as one disintegration per second. It does not measure the exposure or absorbed dose of radiation.

Gray

Rationale: The Gray (Gy) is a unit of absorbed dose, which measures the amount of radiation energy absorbed by a material. One Gray is equivalent to the absorption of one joule of radiation energy per kilogram of matter.

Conclusion:

Among the given options, the Roentgen is the correct unit for measuring radiation exposure in air. It specifically quantifies the ionizing effect of X-rays and gamma rays in air, unlike the other units which measure different aspects of radiation such as its biological effect, activity, or absorbed dose.