How is the radiation weighing factor defined?

The radiation weighing factor, also known as the quality factor, is defined as the ratio of the equivalent dose to the absorbed dose. This factor accounts for the varying biological effects of different types of radiation. For example, while the absorbed dose measures the amount of energy deposited by radiation in a material (measured in grays), the equivalent dose considers the biological impact by incorporating the type of radiation and its potential to cause harm, which is reflected in the radiation weighing factor.

When applying this understanding, the equivalent dose is thus calculated by multiplying the absorbed dose by the radiation weighing factor. This relationship helps in understanding how different radiation types (like alpha, beta, or gamma radiation) can have different effects on biological tissue, even if they impart the same amount of energy. Therefore, using the radiation weighing factor allows for a more accurate assessment of risk and safety standards in contexts like radiation therapy or radiation protection.