What does "rems" measure?

"Rems" stands for Roentgen Equivalent in Man, which is a unit of measurement used to quantify the biological effects of ionizing radiation on human tissue. It takes into account not only the amount of radiation exposure but also the type of radiation and its potential effects on human health. This means that "rems" are particularly concerned with the biological impact of radiation, allowing for effective assessment and management of radiation safety.

By using rems, one can assess the potential harm from different types of radiation, thus providing a more comprehensive understanding of the risk and damage compared to just measuring the physical quantity of radiation. This unit helps professionals in fields such as radiology and radiation safety to make informed decisions regarding occupational exposure and patient safety.

Other options like measuring radioactive decay, radiation exposure, or radiation dose rate do not directly relate to biological impact. They focus on different aspects of radiation like the energy released over time or the intensity of radiation, but rems specifically highlight the consequences on human health.