Chapter 31, Problem 38P

To determine

To find: In terms of biological damage and to compare 350 rads alpha radiation to the x-ray.

Answer to Problem 38P

1000 rads of X- rays

Explanation of Solution

Given data:

RBS of alpha particle = 20

RBE of X-rays = 1

RBS of alpha particle = 20 and RBE of X-rays = 1, means x-rays cause 20 times same biological damage as alpha particles.

The 50 rads of alpha particles is equivalent to $50\text{rads}\times 20=1000\text{rads}$ of $\text{X}$ -rays.

Conclusion:

The 50 rads of alpha particles is equivalent to $1000\text{rads}$ of $\text{X}$ -rays.