What is the term for the amount of radiation energy absorbed by a material per unit mass?

The term that describes the amount of radiation energy absorbed by a material per unit mass is known as "absorbed dose." It quantifies the energy deposited by ionizing radiation in a material, which is crucial for understanding the potential biological effects of radiation exposure. The absorbed dose is typically measured in grays (Gy), where one gray is defined as the absorption of one joule of radiation energy by one kilogram of matter.

This concept is fundamental in radiation safety and health physics because it allows professionals to assess the level of radiation exposure to patients in medical settings, workers in radiation-related occupations, and the environment. Understanding the absorbed dose helps in determining safety protocols and the appropriate protective measures necessary when working with radioactive materials.

Other related terms, such as "exposure," "radiation dose," and "effective dose," refer to different aspects of radiation measurement and risk assessment but do not specifically define the energy absorbed per unit mass in the same way that absorbed dose does.