The SI unit of radiation dose is "gray" (Gy) which is radiation equivalent to 1 J/kg.  A small energy delivered as ionizing radiation  can create huge damage  at the cellular level, and the sievert is a unit of the health effect of radiation proportional to the radiation dose, but multiplied by factors allowing for the absorption and the nature of the radiation.   Which of these statements are true?  You may need to research these answers, but they are useful to know.     The background radiation flying in a commercial aircraft is about 10x the average natural background at the surface of Earth.     A dose of 4 to 5 sieverts will kill a human with a 50% probability within 30 days if the dose is received over a short period (say accidental exposure).     The dosage from a dental X-ray is about 1 milli-sievert.

Modern Physics
3rd Edition
ISBN:9781111794378
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Chapter14: Nuclear Physics Applications
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 48P
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question

The SI unit of radiation dose is "gray" (Gy) which is radiation equivalent to 1 J/kg.  A small energy delivered as ionizing radiation  can create huge damage  at the cellular level, and the sievert is a unit of the health effect of radiation proportional to the radiation dose, but multiplied by factors allowing for the absorption and the nature of the radiation.  

Which of these statements are true?  You may need to research these answers, but they are useful to know.

   

The background radiation flying in a commercial aircraft is about 10x the average natural background at the surface of Earth.

   

A dose of 4 to 5 sieverts will kill a human with a 50% probability within 30 days if the dose is received over a short period (say accidental exposure).

   

The dosage from a dental X-ray is about 1 milli-sievert.

   

NASA astronauts are allowed to receive a dose of 1 sievert during their career.

   

The background 50 km from the site after a nuclear weapons detonation is about 1 sievert.

   

The natural background radiation is  approximately 1 milli-sievert a year but varies with location on Earth.

 

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Radioactive decay
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Modern Physics
Modern Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781111794378
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Physics
ISBN:
9781133104261
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781285737027
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning