What does the unit 'Radiation Absorbed Dose' (rad) measure?

The term 'Radiation Absorbed Dose' (rad) specifically quantifies the amount of radiation energy absorbed by a material or tissue. This measurement is crucial in fields such as medicine and radiation protection because it helps determine the potential biological effects of radiation exposure on human tissues. The rad unit is defined as the absorption of one hundred ergs of energy per gram of matter.

Understanding the concept of absorption is essential, as it differentiates between the total amount of radiation emitted and how much of that radiation is actually taken in by the body or other materials. Effective radiation safety measures and clinical treatments depend heavily on understanding these absorbed doses, as they contribute directly to evaluating potential damage to cells and tissues. Therefore, knowing the amount of radiation absorbed is vital for assessing health risks and ensuring proper safety protocols.