ASNT Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Practice Test

What does the symbol mR represent in radiation terminology?

1. Megaroentgen

2. Milliroentgen

3. Microroentgen

4. Millicurie

The correct answer is: Milliroentgen

The symbol mR represents milliroentgen, which is a unit of measurement for radiation dose. The roentgen (R) is a traditional unit used to quantify exposure to ionizing radiation. By using the prefix ‘milli-’, which signifies one-thousandth (1/1000) of a unit, milliroentgen effectively allows for more precise measurements of small amounts of radiation exposure. For practical applications in industrial radiography and radiation safety, it's vital to monitor and quantify exposure levels accurately. Milliroentgen is commonly used because it can express lower levels of exposure that might occur in work environments, helping professionals understand and evaluate their radiation safety practices. This understanding is essential for ensuring that exposure levels remain within safe limits, thereby minimizing health risks to individuals working with or around radioactive materials.