ASNT Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Practice Test

To calculate the total dose received, what must be done with the rate of dose and the total time exposed?

1. Add the two values

2. Multiply the rate of dose by the total time exposed

3. Divide the rate of dose by total time exposed

4. Subtract total time exposed from the rate of dose

The correct answer is: Multiply the rate of dose by the total time exposed

To calculate the total dose received, multiplying the rate of dose by the total time exposed is the correct approach. The concept is based on the relationship between dose rate, time, and total dose. The dose rate indicates how much radiation exposure occurs per unit of time, typically expressed in units like millirems per hour (mrem/hr). The total time exposed is simply the duration for which the exposure lasts, measured in hours (or any other relevant time unit). By multiplying the rate of dose by the total time exposed, you effectively sum up all the increments of radiation exposure over that period. For example, if someone is exposed to a dose rate of 10 mrem/hr for 3 hours, the total dose would be calculated as 10 mrem/hr multiplied by 3 hours, resulting in a total dose of 30 mrem. This formula allows one to quantify and understand the entire exposure received during the specified interval, which is crucial for assessing and managing radiation safety in industrial radiography.