Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 31 - Nuclear Energy; Effects and Uses of Radiation - Problems - Page 912: 39

Answer

7000 rads.

Work Step by Step

The table on page 901 shows that the Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE) of $\alpha$ particles is about 20. The RBE of x-rays is 1. This means that it requires 20 rads of x-rays to cause the same biological damage as 1 rad of $\alpha$ particles. Therefore it takes 7000 rads of x-rays to cause the same biological damage as 350 rads of $\alpha$ particles.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.