Customer Reviews

The Health Physics Solutions Manual

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The publication of this solution manual partially redeems theflawed third edition of the classic health physics textbook (Cember,"Introduction to Health Physics," 1996).

The methods of the solution manual are generally sound with usually adequate explanations and occasional suggestions of alternative methods. Problem 6.5 arrives at the same answer by using "basic principles" and by using the "specific gamma ray emission constant" (also referred to in the textbook as the "specific gamma ray constant" and the "source strength"). Alternative solutions are also given for Problem 6.22.

The solution manual corrects many of the textbook's typographical errors in the text, the chapter problems, and their solutions. However, a spot check reveals the solution manual contains its own errors and has its own deficiencies, though these errors and deficiencies are fewer and less egregious than the textbook.

The solution to Problem 5.4 ignores the last question of the problem ("What further studies could be done on the smear sample to help verify the identification of the contaminant?"), thus missing the opportunity to instruct the student on, say, the use of half-life measurements to identify radioisotopes. The solution to Problem 6.5 assumes the "small vial" can be treated as a point source and misses the opportunity to answer a common question from students and some professionals: "How small must a source be to be considered a point source?" The solution to Problem 5.13 identifies only the low-energy solution and fails to note that, since the attenuation coefficient for lead increases for gamma ray energies above approximately 3 MeV as depicted in Figure 5.12 of the textbook, there is a high-energy solution at approximately 11 MeV.

A list of references with complete citations would be more helpful to readers than ambiguous abbreviations. The citation, "RHH (1970)," at pages 165 and 277 refers, presumably, to the Radiological Health Handbook (Bureau of Radiological Health 1970). Other incomplete citations which may not be familiar to inexperienced readers are "the 'Barn Book', 1955" (page 236) and "NRHH" (page 263). At pages 57 and 305, the citation is merely "CRC," presumably referring to a CRC Press publication, though it is not clear which one. Even publications of major radiation protection organizations are cited merely by number, e.g., "NM/MIRD Pamphlet No. 11" (page 198), "NCRP49" (page 247), "NCRP Report 102" (page 250), and "ICRP 2" (page 291). The source, at page 280, for the solubility class of barium and, at page 379, for the effective half life of Strontium-90 is cited merely as "ICRP." At page 237 is the cryptic citation "Attix."

Half-life data is incorrect or outdated. The solution to Problem 4.10 contains the term "benzo(a)pyrene atoms", though the correct term "benzo(a)pyrene molecules" is used elsewhere in the same problem. The solution to Problem 5.7 solves for the kinetic energy of the Compton electron by using the so-called "inverse natural logarithm" instead of simply using the exponential. The solution manual insists on micro-microfarad instead of picofarad. Other examples abound.

The typesetting and editing of the solution manual is sloppy with several instances of misaligned text, mis-sized type, and occasional typographical, grammatical, and other errors. None of the tables and figures are numbered and few are titled; those that are titled have titles such as "Activity" (page 97), "Linear Graph" (page 367), "Linear Probability Paper" (p. 368), "Log Probability Paper" (page 368). Axes of graphs are often labeled with nothing more than abbreviations of units (e.g., at pages 64, 65, 118, 119, and 350). Symbols on graphs are often barely visible. Finally, though arguably a matter of preference, the solution manual contains, as does the textbook, an unnecessary proliferation of the multiplication sign, "×", which gives it a grade-schoolish flavor.

This reviewer cannot recommend the solution manual for an introductory course in health physics. The solution manual might be useful to an experienced reader preparing for the health physics certification examination, but only if the reader views it critically and is willing to independently verify the methods and data used.

The Health Physics Solutions Manual is a must-have for anyone studying health physics and anyone considered a health physicist, especially those attempting ABHP certification.

Problems are not only solved, but several steps are shown in the solution process. This allows you to check your work, step-by-step.

All references are current and cited (ANSI Z136.1-1996 is used, making the Solutions Manual more up-to-date than the original text). Graphs are shown for those problems that ask for them.

If you own, or are going to buy "Introduction to Health Physics", you better buy "Health Physics Solutions Manual" to accompany it. The price for both of them combined is still less than for similar texts WITHOUT solutions manuals.

I have a list of known errors for those that are interested.

The methodology used for each solution is very clear and reasonable. However, the references used for some of the data is not clearly given. Also, the calculated answers do not match exactly with the values given in the back of the Text Book. Overall, a good way to understand HOW to solve each problem.

This solutions manual is a well constructed and a valuable companion to Introduction To Health Physics. The manual provides a step-by-step detailed approach to solving complex and thought provoking health physics problems. The authors' use of easy to follow references and equations makes this manual a perfect guide to solve each of these challenging health physics problems.

This is a must have reference for Health Physicists regardless of their experince level. For the novice, this manual represents a standard in logical problem solving technigues that is expected in all aspects of the Health Physics Profession. For the more advanced and experince Health Physics professional, this is an extraordinary aid in the preparation for the American Board of Health Physics (ABHP) certifcation examination. A perfect guide for sucess in that highly challenging and demanding certification examination.

This manual is a must buy!

Dr. Cember's "Introduction to Health Physics" has been an essential text in many graduate and undergraduate health physics programs for years. It has also been the primary text for numerous CHPs during their exam preparations.

This solutions manual is an excellent companion to the textbook. It provides effective examples of how to set up and solve these practical health physics problems.

The logical approach used in these solutions will assist new students in getting a clearer understanding of health physics principles. HPs preparing for the certification exam will appreciate and benefit from learning the problem solving methods demonstrated throughout the manual.

I highly recommend getting both of these books together.

This solutions maunal is a must have for all students using Cembers text "Introduction to Health Physics." The textbook alone is a great reference, however, these two texts together provide an excellent ground level understanding of the field and give the reader the tools to work out many of the day-to-day problems in the Health Physics field. The solutions manual really illustrates how to "problem solve" which is a necessary tool. I highly recommend these two texts together.

"Introduction to Health Physics Solutions Manual" is an essential tool for graduate and undergraduate health physics students. It is an excellent companion to the textbook "Introduction to Health Physics" as it provides outstanding examples of how to approach and solve practical health physics problems.

In addition to giving new students an understanding of fundamental health physics principles and preparing them for exams, the solutions manual is great for refreshers and day to day health physics work.

Buying both of these books together is a must!

The solutions manual should be considered an integral part of the text book. It is absolutely essential for those studying for board certification exams or for day to day health physics work.

Novices with rudimentary problem solving skills will find the step by step solutions a powerful teaching tool. Experienced health physicists will appreciate alternate soultion pathways to relevant problems.