Question

We have seen that a gamma-ray does of 3Gy is lethal to half the people exposed to it. If the equivalent energy were absorbed as heat, what rise in body temperature would result?

• A. 600
• B. 500
• C. 700
• D. 900

Answer 1

The correct option is C 700

We can relate an absorbed Q and the resulting temperature $\Delta T$ relation

Q= $\Delta T$

In that equation ,m is the mass of the material absorbing the energy and c is the specific heat of that material.

An absorbed dose of 3 gy corresponds to an absorbed energy per unit mass of 3 j/kg.

Let us assume c the specific heat of human body , is the same as that of water, 4180 j/kg K.

$\Delta T$=\displaystyle $\frac{Q/m}{c}=\frac{3}{4180}=7.2\times {10}^{-4}k$

$\approx 700\mu k$