Homework Solution

TQ 15-5

Given:

1 rad of dose from alpha particles or 5 rad of dose from x rays

Find:

Which of the two absorbed doses is biologically more damaging?

Science:

Q_alpha = 20 rem/rad and Q_{x ray}= 1 rem/rad

Solve:

H_alpha = (20 rem/rad)(1 rad) = 20 rem

H_{x ray}= (1 rem/rad) (5 rad) = 5 rem

Therefore, a dose of 1 rad of alpha radiation is more damaging biologically.