1. What is Radiation Dose?

Radiation dose is a measure of the amount of energy absorbed by matter (such as human tissue) from ionizing radiation per unit mass. The standard unit is the gray (Gy), where 1 Gy = 1 joule per kilogram.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic radiation dose formula:

Where:

• \( Energy\ Absorbed \) — Energy deposited by radiation in joules (J)
• \( Mass \) — Mass of the absorbing material in kilograms (kg)

Explanation: This fundamental equation shows that radiation dose is directly proportional to the energy absorbed and inversely proportional to the mass of the absorbing material.

3. Importance of Radiation Dose Calculation

Details: Accurate dose calculation is essential in radiation therapy, radiological protection, and understanding biological effects of radiation exposure.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter energy absorbed in joules and mass in kilograms. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between absorbed dose and equivalent dose?
A: Absorbed dose (Gy) measures energy deposited, while equivalent dose (Sv) accounts for radiation type's biological effectiveness.

Q2: What are typical radiation dose values?
A: Background radiation is about 2-3 mGy/year. A CT scan might deliver 10-20 mGy, while radiation therapy doses are much higher (tens of Gy).

Q3: How does dose relate to radiation effects?
A: Higher doses cause more biological damage. Acute effects appear above ~0.5 Gy, with severity increasing with dose.

Q4: What factors affect radiation dose calculation?
A: Besides energy and mass, factors include radiation type, exposure time, distance from source, and shielding.

Q5: Why is precise dose calculation important in medicine?
A: In radiation therapy, accurate dosing is critical to treat tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.