Radiation Dose: GCSE Physics Definition

Ann Howell

Written by: Ann Howell

Reviewed by: Katie M

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2 minutes

What is radiation dose?

In GCSE Physics, the amount of radiation received by a person is called the radiation dose and is measured in sieverts (Sv). It is important to regulate the dose of radiation received by humans because a high dose of radiation can increase the risk of developing cancer. 

A radiation dose of one sievert is a very big dose and would cause acute radiation poisoning. Most people receive a dose of about 3 mSv a year. A dosemeter is worn by a person working with radiation to measure the amount of radiation exposure received.

Diagram of a blue suitcase showing different views, including open and closed positions, with visible compartments and a safety pin.
A dosemeter, or radiation badge, can be worn by a person working with radiation in order to keep track of the amount of radiation they are receiving

The radiation exposure a person receives depends on the intensity of background radiation at the location. People working with nuclear radiation or in the medical field are exposed to radiation regularly so their radiation dose must be monitored carefully. For example, the limit for radiation workers in the UK is 20 mSv per year. 

Radiation dose revision resources to ace your exams

Radiation dose is covered in some of the GCSE Physics and Combined Science course revision notes, for example, as part of the AQA GCSE Physics Background radiation revision note. Some exam boards do not require you to know about radiation dose, so use the Save My Exams specific course revision notes to ensure you learn the correct information for your exam. Once you are ready to test your knowledge you can use our specific exam practice questions, for example, AQA GCSE Physics questions on radioactivity. If you are ready for some general exam revision then you can use the past paper section, for example, the OCR GCSE Physics past papers

Explore all the Save My Exams GCSE Physics resources


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Ann Howell

Author: Ann Howell

Expertise: Physics Content Creator

Ann obtained her Maths and Physics degree from the University of Bath before completing her PGCE in Science and Maths teaching. She spent ten years teaching Maths and Physics to wonderful students from all around the world whilst living in China, Ethiopia and Nepal. Now based in beautiful Devon she is thrilled to be creating awesome Physics resources to make Physics more accessible and understandable for all students, no matter their schooling or background.

Katie M

Author: Katie M

Expertise: Physics

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.

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