CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which radiation weighting factor applies to neutrons with energy between 10 - 100 keV?

1. 1

2. 10

3. 2

4. 20

The correct answer is: 10

The radiation weighting factor, often referred to in the context of radiation protection, indicates the relative biological effectiveness of different types of radiation. Neutrons are classified according to their energy levels because their potential to cause biological damage varies significantly with energy. For neutrons with energies between 10 and 100 keV, the established radiation weighting factor is 10. This factor has been determined based on numerous studies evaluating the biological impact of neutrons compared to other types of ionizing radiation. In contrast, lower energy neutrons (below 10 keV) might have different weighting factors, and neutrons with higher energies typically have different values as well. Thus, the value of 10 specifically applies to neutrons in the 10 - 100 keV range, reflecting their increased potential for causing biological effects relative to other forms of radiation. This factor is critical for calculating dose equivalents in radiation protection, ensuring that dosimetry adequately reflects the health risks associated with exposure to different types of radiation.