What is the fundamental unit of radiation dose in the International System of Units (SI)?

The fundamental unit of radiation dose in the International System of Units (SI) is the Gray (Gy). This unit specifically measures the amount of energy deposited by ionizing radiation in a given mass of material, usually biological tissue. One Gray is defined as the absorption of one joule of radiation energy per kilogram of matter.

In the context of radiation biology, understanding the Gray is crucial because it directly relates to the potential biological effects of radiation exposure. Higher doses measured in Grays indicate a greater amount of energy absorbed by the tissue, which can lead to increased biological damage, such as cell death or mutations.

The other options serve different purposes. For instance, the Rontgen is a unit that measures exposure to X-rays and gamma rays in the air, while the Sievert is used for measuring the biological effect of radiation, taking into account the type of radiation and the sensitivity of the tissues exposed. The Curie is a unit of radioactivity, indicating the amount of radioactive material present, rather than the dose received. Each of these units plays an important role in understanding radiation, but the Gray specifically quantifies the absorbed dose, which is essential in assessing the impact of radiation on tissue.