Because lead is a heavy element with a large atomic nucleus, it is effective at absorbing radiation; in addition, it's quite affordable (as compared to using gold, for example, which is also a heavy element).
Gamma radiation has in principle infinite range. So it is not possible to block it completely. But it is possible to attenuate it to certain level. The thickness of concrete needed depends on gamma photons energy and concrete properties.
Lead, solid rock, or a great depth of sea water. Ideally a barrier of concrete and lead is used for shielding from gamma sources.
Lead is applied as shielding to block (attenuate is the word we prefer) gamma rays. This form of radiation is electromagnetic in nature, and not particulate (composed of particles). Materials of high density (and lead is fairly high) are better at attenuating gamma rays than less dense materials. Additionally, lead is cheap and easy to work with. You've doubtless heard of lead being used to shield against X-rays, which are just a bit lower in frequency than the gamma rays.It is the "close spacing" of the atoms and the "bigness" of the atomic nuclei of lead that make it good for use in gamma ray shielding. Gamma rays "cut right through" electron clouds around atoms, and only the nuclei of atoms really give the gamma ray something to interact with. As regards particles, lead will stop alpha and beta radiation with ease, but so will a sheet of aluminum foil. Lead isn't that great at stopping neutron radiation. Shielding for neutrons requires atoms with small nuclei, so lead isn't so hot in that application.
Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, and are absorbed by heavy materials such as lead which is often used for such shielding. Neutrons are uncharged particles which can pass through many materials, but are strongly absorbed by for example cadmium and boron, which are said to have a high capture cross section for neutrons. Therefore effective neutron shields can use such materials.
Gamma rays are used to kill cancer cells.
Lead, solid rock, or a great depth of sea water. Ideally a barrier of concrete and lead is used for shielding from gamma sources.
Gamma radiation has in principle infinite range. So it is not possible to block it completely. But it is possible to attenuate it to certain level. The thickness of concrete needed depends on gamma photons energy and concrete properties.
Appropriate clothing or sunblock provide protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays when one must be out in the sun. Dense materials like lead can be used as shielding from X-rays if a sufficient thickness is in place. In any case, we don't want anyone too close to the source. We also know that dense materials can provide shielding from gamma rays, but even more must be used as gamma rays have more energy than X-rays. UV rays can be stopped more easily than the other two radiation types, but more shielding is better for protection from the latter two radiation types. Also, the less time anyone is exposed to radiation, the better.
X-rays cannot pass through lead, and lead is what is used in X-ray shielding.
X Ray and Shielding Lead Glass is used in medical facilities as viewing windows, control booths as shields from X Rays
Gamma and x-rays are two types of rays on the electro magnetic spectrum. The amount of energy used by the rays increases as you go up the electro magnetic spectrum. The weakest of the rays is a radio wave and the strongest is the gamma which will penetrate lead.
X-rays can penetrate tin. Lead is usually used for x-ray shielding.
Lead is applied as shielding to block (attenuate is the word we prefer) gamma rays. This form of radiation is electromagnetic in nature, and not particulate (composed of particles). Materials of high density (and lead is fairly high) are better at attenuating gamma rays than less dense materials. Additionally, lead is cheap and easy to work with. You've doubtless heard of lead being used to shield against X-rays, which are just a bit lower in frequency than the gamma rays.It is the "close spacing" of the atoms and the "bigness" of the atomic nuclei of lead that make it good for use in gamma ray shielding. Gamma rays "cut right through" electron clouds around atoms, and only the nuclei of atoms really give the gamma ray something to interact with. As regards particles, lead will stop alpha and beta radiation with ease, but so will a sheet of aluminum foil. Lead isn't that great at stopping neutron radiation. Shielding for neutrons requires atoms with small nuclei, so lead isn't so hot in that application.
Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, and are absorbed by heavy materials such as lead which is often used for such shielding. Neutrons are uncharged particles which can pass through many materials, but are strongly absorbed by for example cadmium and boron, which are said to have a high capture cross section for neutrons. Therefore effective neutron shields can use such materials.
Gamma rays are used to kill cancer cells.
lead. that's why it is used in x-ray shielding for x-ray technicians (amongst other things)
Lead (being a very dense metal) is generally the material used to guard against gamma rays--radiologists, who take your x-rays, stand behind a lead based shield, since they are exposed to small doses day after day (there is no danger to you). CBRNE: C