DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Practice Exam

What is the term for the measurement of radiation intensity in the air?

1. Rad

2. Angstrom

3. Roentgen

4. Coulomb per kilogram

The correct answer is: Coulomb per kilogram

The correct term for measuring radiation intensity in the air is indeed associated with the concept of Coulomb per kilogram (C/kg). This unit measures the amount of ionization produced by x-rays or gamma rays in air, specifically quantifying the charge of ions produced by radiation per kilogram of air. In practical applications, this measurement is crucial for assessing the radiation dose in environments where ionizing radiation is present. It provides important safety information by indicating how many ions are produced in the air as a result of exposure to radiation, which helps in determining the potential biological effects on living tissues. While Rad and Roentgen are also related to radiation measurements, Rad specifically refers to the absorbed dose in tissue, and the Roentgen is older terminology that refers to the amount of x-ray or gamma radiation that produces a specific amount of ionization in air but is less frequently used in modern practice where SI units, like Coulomb per kilogram, are preferred due to their clarity and direct relation to the physical components of radiation measurement. The Angstrom is a unit of length, primarily used to measure wavelengths of light, and is not applicable in this context.