What unit is used to measure the absorbed dose of radiation?

The unit used to measure the absorbed dose of radiation is the Gray (Gy). This unit specifically quantifies the amount of ionizing radiation that is absorbed by a material, typically biological tissue. One Gray is defined as the absorption of one joule of radiation energy per kilogram of matter.

This makes the Gray an essential unit in radiation safety and protection, as it directly relates to the amount of energy deposited in tissues, which is crucial for assessing potential biological effects and risks associated with radiation exposure. Understanding absorbed dose is foundational in fields such as radiology, radiation therapy, and radiological safety, as it helps professionals evaluate and manage the potential harm caused by exposure to ionizing radiation.

In contrast, other units listed serve different purposes. For example, the Roentgen measures exposure and is specifically tailored to gamma and X-rays, while the Coulombs/kilogram is used for electrical charge in air from ionization processes and the Sievert is a measure of biological effect, factoring in the type of radiation and its impact on human tissue. Hence, while all these units are related to radiation, the Gray is the most relevant for measuring absorbed doses.