CHAPTER XII

139

Linear Attenuation Coefficient

&
Mass Attenuation Coefficient
The definition for Linear Attenuation Coefficient (given the symbol ) is the percent
reduction per unit thickness of absorber. The meaning of this statement is that for each unit
thickness (such as a millimeter) of absorbing material placed in the path of the beam there is a
set percentage of reduction in intensity of the
radiation source

radiation source

radiation.
1 cm

Example 12.1:

1 cm

In diagram 12.1, no absorber is

between the source and the point of interest.
The reading at the point of interest is 125
cGy/min.
In diagram 12.2, an absorber, which

5 cm

has 10 atoms, is placed in the path of the

absorber

beam. Lets say that this reduces the

intensity by 10%. The new reading at the
point of interest is 112.5 cGy/min.

point of interest

point of interest
dose rate = 112.5 cgy/min

dose rate = 125 cgy/min

Diagram 12.1

From the definition:

Linear Attenuation Coefficient

Diagram 12.2

% Reduction in Intensity
=
thickness of absorber
(125-112.5 cGy/min)/125 cGy/min

=
5 cm

(12.5 cGy/min)/125 cGy/min

=
5 cm
.1
=
5 cm

= .02/cm

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140

If the same absorber is heated it will expand. Assume it expands in only one direction,
the length. If the length goes from 5 to 10 cm, this change will effect the linear attenuation
coefficient. Diagram 12.3 shows the absorber after expansion.
radiation source

Because the number atoms in the path of the beam is the same the
attenuation of the beam will be the same. Therefore the dose rate

1 cm

1 cm

will still be 112.5 cGy/min.

From the definition:
Linear Attenuation Coefficient

% Reduction in Intensity
=
thickness of absorber
(125-112.5 cGy/min)/125 cGy/min

10 cm

10 cm

absorber

(12.5 cGy/min)/125 cGy/min

=
10 cm
.1
=
10 cm

= .01/cm
As can be seen, a change in the density of
the absorber will cause the Linear Attenuation Coefficient to change
from .02/cm to .01/cm. This change in occurs every time there is
a change in the density of the absorber. To over come this problem,
one needs to eliminate this dependency on density and develop a
point of interest
dose rate = 112.5 cgy/min

more fundamental attenuation coefficient. This is accomplished by

dividing the Linear Attenuation Coefficient by the density of the
absorber. This new quantity is known as the Mass Attenuation

Diagram 12.3

Coefficient.
"Linear Attenuation Coefficient"
"Mass Attenuation Coefficient" =
Density
The density of diagram 12.2 and 12.3 can be easily calculated if the definition of density
is recalled: density (r) is equal to mass of the absorber divided by the volume of the absorber.

Equation :

= mass/volume

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141

Example 12.2:
We need to know the mass of the absorber at this point. Let assume that the mass of the
absorber is 10 grams. Therefore:
For Diagram 12.2:
mass of absorber = 10 gms

Therefore:

volume of absorber

= Length width height

= 5 cm 1 cm 1 cm
= 5 cm3

= mass / volume
= 10 gm / 5 cm3
= 2 gm / cm3

The Linear Attenuation Coefficient is .02/cm.

Mass Attenuation Coefficient

Linear Attenuation Coefficient

=
density

.02/cm
=
2 gm/cm3

= .01 cm2/gm

For Diagram 12.3:

mass of absorber = 10 gms

Therefore

volume of absorber

= Length width height

= 10 cm 1 cm 1 cm
= 10 cm3

= mass / volume
= 10 gm / 10 cm3
= 1 gm / cm3

The Linear Attenuation Coefficient is .01/cm.

Linear Attenuation Coefficient
Mass Attenuation Coefficient =
density

.01/cm
=
1 gm/cm3

= .01 cm2/gm

Note that, unlike the linear attenuation coefficient, the mass attenuation
coefficient is the same showing that it is independent of the state of the absorber.

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CHAPTER XII