What unit is used to measure the absorbed dose of radiation?

The absorbed dose of radiation is measured in Grays (Gy). One Gray is defined as the absorption of one joule of radiation energy by one kilogram of matter. This unit directly quantifies the energy deposited by ionizing radiation in a given mass, making it a crucial measure in understanding the biological effects of radiation on tissues.

While the Sievert (Sv) is also related to radiation, it measures the biological effect of ionizing radiation rather than the physical amount of energy absorbed. The Curie (Ci) measures radioactive decay or the activity of a radioactive source, not the absorbed dose. The Rad (Radiation Absorbed Dose) is an older unit that serves a similar purpose as the Gray, but it has largely been replaced by the Gray in scientific contexts. Therefore, using Grays provides a more modern and universally accepted standard for quantifying absorbed doses of radiation.