How is radiation measured, and what units are used?

Radiation is measured using various units depending on the type of radiation being measured. The most commonly used units to measure radiation include becquerels, grays, and sieverts.

Becquerels

Becquerels (Bq) are used to measure the activity of a radioactive source. One becquerel is defined as one decay per second. This unit is typically used to measure the amount of radioactive material present in a sample.

Grays

Grays (Gy) are used to measure the absorbed dose of ionizing radiation in a material. One gray is equal to one joule of energy absorbed per kilogram of material. This unit is used to quantify the amount of energy deposited by radiation in a specific material.

Sieverts

Sieverts (Sv) are used to measure the equivalent dose of radiation received by a person. The sievert takes into account the type of radiation and its potential harm to human health. It is used to quantify radiation exposure and assess the associated health risks.

In summary, radiation is measured using units such as becquerels, grays, and sieverts to quantify the activity, absorbed dose, and health effects of ionizing radiation. These units help in monitoring radiation levels, ensuring radiation safety, and assessing radiation exposure in various settings.