Radiation intensity is expressed in different ways, depending on how it is being

Question

Radiation intensity is expressed in different ways, depending on how it is being measured. Mechanical measurements use becquerels (Bq) or curies (Ci). Energy absorbed by tissue is expressed in grays (Gy) or rads (rad). Tissue damage is expressed in sieverts(Sv) or rem. These units are related as follows:

1 Bq=1 disintegration/s (dps)

1 Ci=3.7×1010 Bq

1 rad=0.01 Gy,  1 Gy=1 J/(kg tissue)

1 rem=0.01 Sv,  1 Sv=1 J/kg

1.) If you purchased 3.91 Ci of sulfur-35, how many disintegrations per second does the sample undergo when it is brand new?

2.) A 85.0-kg person is exposed to 259 rad of radiation. How many joules did this person absorb?

Explanation / Answer

(1) Given the purchased S-35 is = 3.91 Ci

                                         = 3.91x10-6 Ci                  Since 1 Ci=10-6 Ci

                                         = 3.91x10-6 x3.7x1010 Bq           Since 1 Ci = 3.7x1010 Bq

                                         = 144.67x103 Bq

                                        = 144.67x103 dps                        Since 1 Bq = 1 dps

Therefore there are 144.67x103 dps for the purchased sample.

(2) 259 rad = 259 x0.01 Gy                                                   Since 1 rad = 0.01 Gy

                  = 2.59 Gy

                  = 2.59 x 1 J/Kg                                                    Since 1 Gy = 1 J/kg

                  = 2.59x85.0 J/ 85 kg

                 = 220.15 J/85 kg

Therefore the the number of joules absorbed by the person is 220.15 J

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