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When exposed to radiation, the amount of damage that might be done to living tissue depends on the type of radiation. Alpha is heavier and can be more destructive than beta or gamma but not always. The amount of energy that the particle caries has to be taken into account. The particles can travel at different speeds so they will have differing amounts of kinetic energy. A really fast beta particle can still do more damage than a slow alpha particle. It of course also matters whether the particle hits a small mass or a large mass.
The unit that takes this into account is the gray (Gy). One gray is the same as 1 joule of energy per kilogram of body mass that receives this radiation.
The unit that takes this into account is the gray (Gy). One gray is the same as 1 joule of energy per kilogram of body mass that receives this radiation.
Assignments
Suppose a 65-kilogram person receives 7 MJ in radiation.
13. Explain why you don’t have to know which type of radiation this is to calculate the amount of grey.
14. What is the amount of grey?
15. What would be the mass of a person that receives only 5 MJ or energy but still receives the same amount of grey?
Finally, we should also take into account which body part and tissue is being hit. A certain amount to the brain can do a lot more damage than the same amount to your feet.
All these factors combined give us the Equivalent Dose measured in an amount of Sievert (Sv). When two people receive the same amount of Sievert, the biological damage is equal.
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