What unit is commonly used to measure radiation dose?

The Gray (Gy) is a unit commonly used to measure radiation dose in terms of the amount of energy deposited by ionizing radiation in a unit mass of material (typically tissue). One Gray is defined as the absorption of one joule of radiation energy per kilogram of material. This measurement is particularly crucial in the field of radiology and radiation therapy, as it provides a standardized way to quantify the dose of radiation that a patient receives, ensuring safety and effectiveness in treatments.

While other units such as the Sievert (Sv), Rad, and Rem are also related to radiation, they serve different purposes or contexts. The Sievert is specifically designed to account for the biological effects of radiation, incorporating a quality factor that reflects the type of radiation involved, while the Rad and Rem are older units that have been largely replaced by the Gray and the Sievert, respectively, in most applications today. Understanding the Gray and its applications is fundamental for professionals working in radiation protection and medical imaging, making it the correct choice for measuring radiation dose.