Question

Cosmic-ray flux makes 5 ion pairs cm^-3 sec^-1 of air at sea level. At higher altitudes, it produces 14 ion pairs at 4500m, and about 250 ion pairs at 11,500m above sea level. Determine the radiation dose received (Grays) every 24 hours at sea level, 4500m, and 11,500m, given that ion pair formation is 28eV. Assume air thickness is the same.

Answer 1

Cosmic-ray flux makes 5 ion pairs cm-3 sec-1 of air at sea level. At higher altitudes, it produces 14 ion pairs at 4500m, and about 250 ion pairs at 11,500m above sea level. the radiation dose received (Grays) every 24 hours at sea level, 4500m, and 11,500m, given that ion pair formation is 28eV. Assume air thickness is the same.

Ion formation is = 28 eV

production of ion at 4500m 14 ion pairs

flux = 5 cm-3 sec-1

flux in hours = (5 / cm3sec)*(10^6 cm3/1m3)* 3600sec/1hr

= 180 * 10^8 m-3 hr-1

radiation received every 24vr by 14 ion pairs at 4500m = 180*10^8*14*28 eV

= 7.056*10^12

radiation received every 24 hr by 250 ion pairs at 11500m = 180*10^8*250*28 eV

= 1.26*10^14