What unit measures the ionization effects in air due to radiation?

The unit that measures the ionization effects in air due to radiation is the Roentgen. This unit specifically quantifies the amount of ionization produced in air by gamma rays or X-rays and is defined as the amount of radiation that produces one electrostatic unit of charge in one cubic centimeter of dry air at standard temperature and pressure.

The significance of this measurement lies in its direct relationship to the biological effects of radiation on human tissues when those tissues are exposed to ionizing radiation. The Roentgen is applicable in assessing radiation exposure in an environment, particularly in medical settings where X-rays are used or in radiation protection measures.

While other units like Gray, REM, and Coulomb/Kilogram are also important in the context of radiation measurement, they serve different purposes. The Gray measures the absorbed dose of radiation in tissues and is relevant for evaluating the biological effects of radiation on living organisms. The REM (Roentgen Equivalent Man) is a unit that combines the absorbed dose of radiation with the biological effect of that radiation, making it useful for assessing potential health risk. Coulomb/Kilogram, on the other hand, is a measure of charge carried by ions in a unit mass of air and is not exclusively focused on the biological effects of radiation