Which unit is used to measure gamma and x-ray radiation?

The unit used to measure gamma and x-ray radiation is the Roentgen. This unit specifically quantifies the amount of ionization produced in air by gamma or x-ray radiation. It is defined based on the quantity of radiation that results in a certain amount of ionization in air, allowing for a practical measurement of exposure levels that can dictate safety protocols and exposure limits in various environments.

The Roentgen is particularly relevant for understanding the interaction between radiation and air, making it an essential unit in the context of radiation protection and health physics. Understanding this concept is crucial for radiological workers as it directly relates to assessing exposure risks from gamma and x-ray sources, ensuring that appropriate safety measures are in place.

Other units, such as RAD (Radiation Absorbed Dose), measure the absorbed dose of radiation in a material rather than the exposure in air. REM (Roentgen Equivalent Man) is a unit used to quantify biological effects of radiation, taking into account different types of radiation and their relative biological effectiveness. Radioactivity, in contrast, is a measure of the decay of radioactive materials and is measured in units such as curies or becquerels, which do not apply directly to the measurement of gamma and x-ray radiation absorption or exposure.