What unit of measurement indicates the amount of radiation absorbed?

The unit of measurement that indicates the amount of radiation absorbed is the radiation absorbed dose, commonly abbreviated as rad. This unit specifically quantifies the energy deposited by ionizing radiation in a given mass of tissue or material, reflecting the actual amount of radiation absorbed by that material.

Understanding this is crucial in the context of dental assisting, as it helps professionals evaluate the potential biological effects of radiation exposure for both patients and staff. The rad provides a direct measure of how much radiation energy is actually absorbed, which is essential for ensuring safety and effective practice in dental radiography. This is especially important for minimizing risks associated with radiation exposure during dental procedures involving X-rays.

Other units mentioned in the options serve different purposes; for instance, the Curie measures radioactivity rather than absorption, while the Gray (GY) is a SI unit that quantifies absorbed radiation dose but may not be as commonly recognized in certain contexts. The Sievert (Sv) accounts for the biological effects of radiation exposure, incorporating factors like tissue sensitivity, which differs from the direct measurement of absorbed dose represented by the rad.