University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 43 - Nuclear Physics - Problems - Exercises - Page 1476: 43.36

Answer

900 chest x-rays.

Work Step by Step

RBE = 1.0 for x rays, so the equivalent dose in Sv equals the absorbed dose in Gy, or J/kg. One whole-body scan delivers an energy of $\frac{0.012J}{kg}(75kg)=0.90J$. One chest x ray delivers an energy of $\frac{0.0002J}{kg}(5.0kg)=1.0mJ$ The ratio $\frac{0.90J}{0.0010J}$ is 900. It would take 900 chest x rays to deliver the same total energy as a whole-body CT scan.
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