How is the sievert defined in nuclear engineering?

The sievert is defined as a unit that quantifies the biological effects of ionizing radiation. It takes into account the type of radiation and its energy, as well as the sensitivity of different tissues and organs to radiation damage. This makes it especially relevant in nuclear engineering and radiation protection, as it helps assess the potential risk of radiation exposure to human health, rather than just measuring the physical amount of radiation or energy deposited in a material.

For instance, while the gray is a measure of absorbed dose (energy deposited in a mass of tissue), the sievert factors in how harmful that energy is to living tissue, reflecting the effectiveness of the type of radiation in causing biological damage. This is why understanding the sievert is crucial for managing safety and health in environments where radiation exposure is a concern, such as in nuclear power plants or during radiological procedures.