What does the term 'Z' refer to in the context of electron interactions?

In the context of electron interactions, the term 'Z' refers specifically to the atomic number. The atomic number is a fundamental property of an element that indicates the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. This number directly influences the element's identity and its chemical properties.

When electrons interact with matter, the atomic number plays a crucial role in determining the material's interaction with radiation, particularly in the context of electron therapy in medical dosimetry. The atomic number affects the probability of interactions such as ionization and scattering, which are critical considerations when calculating dose distributions in radiation therapy.

Understanding the atomic number is essential for dosimetrists because it aids in selecting appropriate materials for shields, optimizing treatment plans, and understanding how different tissues will respond to radiation based on their composition. Therefore, recognizing 'Z' as the atomic number is pivotal for anyone involved in the field of medical dosimetry.