What is often used as a unit of measure for absorbed radiation dose?

The Gray is the standard unit of measure for absorbed radiation dose in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the absorption of one joule of radiation energy by one kilogram of matter. This measurement is crucial in radiation safety and health physics because it quantifies the amount of energy deposited in tissues, enabling assessments of potential biological effects.

Using the Gray allows for consistent comparisons between different types of radiation and their impact on biological systems. This unit helps radiation safety officers and health physicists evaluate doses received from various sources of radiation, ensuring proper safety measures are in place to protect individuals from harmful exposures.

Other options have distinct meanings and uses in the realm of radiation but do not serve as units for absorbed dose. The Roentgen measures the amount of ionization produced in air by X-rays or gamma rays, while the Curie is a unit that quantifies the activity of a radioactive substance based on the number of disintegrations per second. Rutherford refers to a unit of radioactivity associated with the old system of measurement and is less commonly used today than the Curie or the Gray.