A Roentgen is a unit of measurement for what type of exposure?

The Roentgen is a unit of measurement specifically used to quantify exposure to ionizing radiation, particularly X-rays and gamma rays. This measurement reflects the amount of ionization produced in air by X-rays or gamma radiation, making it very relevant in both medical and environmental health fields where radiation exposure is a concern.

Understanding the Roentgen's application is essential in fields where the measurement of radiation exposure impacts safety protocols and risk assessments. While ultraviolet radiation and infrared radiation can certainly pose health risks, they operate under different principles and are measured using other units. Similarly, beta particles, which are charged particles emitted during radioactive decay, also require distinct measurement units, such as the gray or sievert, that consider both the type and energy of the radiation for biological effects, rather than solely ionization in air.