What is the SI unit of equivalent dose?

The correct choice is the Sievert, which is the SI unit of equivalent dose. The Sievert quantifies the biological effect of radiation on human tissue, taking into account the type of radiation and the biological sensitivity of the exposed body part. Equivalent dose is crucial in radiation protection because it helps to assess the risk of stochastic effects, such as cancer, that might arise from exposure to different forms of ionizing radiation.

The unit is named in honor of Dr. Rolf Sievert, a Swedish medical physicist who made significant contributions to the field of radiation protection. In practice, 1 Sievert is equivalent to 1 joule of energy absorbed per kilogram of tissue, adjusted for the type of radiation. This emphasizes the Sievert’s role in evaluating the potential harm caused by various exposure scenarios in radiation safety.

Understanding the distinction between different units is vital: for instance, while the Gray measures absorbed dose (the amount of energy deposited in tissue), the Sievert accounts for the biological effects of the absorbed dose and the type of radiation, making it the appropriate measurement for evaluating health risks associated with radiation exposure.