Radiobiology: relative biological effectiveness: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Radiobiology: relative biological effectiveness

Sample item

Which type of radiation has the highest linear energy transfer (LET) and thus the greatest relative biological effectiveness?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Alpha particles

Alpha particles are heavy, doubly charged and deposit energy densely along a short track, giving a high LET and a weighting factor of 20. X-rays, gamma rays and beta particles are low LET with a weighting factor of 1. Neutrons are also high LET.

Option by option

  • A. Beta particles

    Beta particles are low LET.

  • B. X-rays

    X-rays are low LET.

  • C. Alpha particles (correct)

    Correct. Alpha particles are high LET with a weighting factor of 20.

  • D. Gamma rays

    Gamma rays are low LET.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is C, Alpha particles. Alpha particles are heavy, doubly charged and deposit energy densely along a short track, giving a high LET and a weighting factor of 20.

Why is "Beta particles" not the answer?

Beta particles are low LET.

Why is "X-rays" not the answer?

X-rays are low LET.

Why is "Gamma rays" not the answer?

Gamma rays are low LET.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Radiobiology: relative biological effectiveness in Radiology. X-rays, gamma rays and beta particles are low LET with a weighting factor of 1. Neutrons are also high LET.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Radiobiology: relative biological effectiveness?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.