Which radiation type has a quality factor of 1?

The choice indicating that X-rays have a quality factor of 1 is based on their biological effectiveness in terms of radiation exposure. The quality factor, also known as the radiation weighting factor, is used to determine the relative biological risk of different types of radiation. X-rays, along with gamma rays and beta particles, are classified as electromagnetic radiation. They have a linear energy transfer (LET) that is lower than that of heavier charged particles, such as alpha particles.

A quality factor of 1 signifies that this type of radiation has a similar risk profile to that of standard photons, defining it as having a comparable potential to cause biological damage as a unit of dose. This understanding is crucial in establishing safety protocols and calculating effective doses in radiation protection.

While alpha particles and heavier charged particles have higher quality factors due to their greater mass and charge, which lead to more significant biological impacts, the lower quality factor for X-rays reflects their different interaction mechanisms and risks associated with exposure. Therefore, X-rays are correctly associated with a quality factor of 1 in the context of radiation safety and protection.