answersLogoWhite

0

Short Answer:

Gamma rays go through most light materials, such as plastic, building materials and are effectively diminished by heavier materials such as lead. It depends on the energy of the gamma ray, but the amount of radiation can often be cut in half by one centimeter thickness of a heavy metal. One centimeter of plastic or wood does not stop more than a few percent of the radiation.

Specific Examples:

To a rough approximation, the mass density of the material determines how well it blocks gamma rays, not just the thickness. Lead has a density over 11 times greater than water, so one inch thickness of lead should be worth 11 inches for shielding gamma rays. In the table below, you can see lead actually does even better. The thickness necessary to reduce gamma radiation by half is listed with the density of the material in parentheses.

lead 1.0 cm (11.3 g/cm^3

steel 2.5 cm (7.86 g/cm^3

concrete 6 cm (3.33 g/cm^3

soil 9 cm (1.99 g/cm^3

water 18 cm (1 g/cm^3)

wood 302 cm (0.56 g/cm^3)

air 15000 cm (0.0012 g/cm^3)

Gamma rays can have any energy, so these numbers not equally good for all gamma rays, but work for the sort of radiation humans might encounter due to radioactivity on Earth.

See related links and questions for more.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Music & Radio
Related Questions

What objects can stop gamma rays?

Gamma rays can be blocked by a thick amount of lead. Alpha -> goes through thin mica -> then stops at skin or paper. Beta -> Goes through thin mica - then goes through skin or paper -> gets stopped at lead. Gamma -> Goes through thin mica -> goes through skin or paper -> then can be slowed down by lead or can be stopped completely by a thick amount of lead. I may have Beta and alpha mixed up but please excuse me as im writing this out of my book (:


Can air get through thin plastic?

Yes, air can pass through thin plastic. The rate of air permeability depends on the type and thickness of the plastic material.


What are the components of natural radiation in order from least to most penetrating?

Alpha particles, which consist of two protons and two neutrons; Beta particles, which consist of one electron; Gamma rays, which is the highest frequency of electromagnetic radiation, has no mass, and is not made up of any subatomic particles. Alpha particles con be stopped by a mere piece of paper; Beta particles can pass through paper but can be stopped by aluminum foil; Gamma rays can pass through paper and aluminum foil, and can only be stopped by lead or concrete.


What is more dangerous gamma or alpha rays?

alpha radiation is more dangerous than beta or gamma if ingested or inhaled because its power to ionize (or to disrupt atoms) is 20x than that of beta and gamma. but if the source is outside the body or at a distance gamma radiation is much dangerous because it could penetrate thick walls.


Can sunlight rays go through saran wrap?

Yes, sunlight rays can pass through saran wrap, as it is made from thin polyethylene plastic that is somewhat transparent. While it allows light to penetrate, it may also diffuse and scatter the light, reducing its intensity. However, saran wrap can block some ultraviolet (UV) rays, depending on its thickness and quality.


Is beryllium a lightweight metal through which X-rays pass easily?

Yes, beryllium is transparent to x-rays; windows of x-rays tubes are made from a thin foil of beryllium.


Will plastic show an image during radiography?

It is possible, especially if the plastic is a nice thick chunk. If it is a thin layer it may very well be invisible to x-rays but still visible to ultrasound or NMR.


Can light go through thin skin?

yes. it doesn't matter how thick or thin your skin is. The melatonin in your skin gets activated from the UV rays of the sun.


Damaging effects of alpha beta and gamma?

Alpha radiation is the most ionizing of the three radiations but can fortunately be stopped by a few centimetres of air or a thin sheet of paper. Beta and especially Gamma are less ionising but are more penetrative and therefore can cause damage while on the outside of the body (whereas alpha will only really cause damage inside).


What is fiber plastic made from?

Thin strands of plastic


Which type of radiation can penetrate a thin piece of lead?

Yes, but anything will block all radiation, if you use enough of it. Lead, being very dense, is very efficient in blocking most radiation even in fairly modest thicknesses. For example, when you go to the dentist for an X-ray, the radiologist covers you with a lead-foil apron.The very best material to block radiation, in terms of cost, is about a half-mile thickness of dirt. Cheap, and very effective. However, it is difficult to transport. Some types of radiation, like alpha particles, can be blocked very effectively by a sheet of paper. Electromagnetic radiation such as gamma rays or X-rays requires a material with high density to block it.


Is thin plastic wrap is a transparent object?

Yes, thin plastic wrap is a transparent object because it allows light to pass through, making objects behind it visible. Transparent objects are those that transmit light without scattering it, allowing us to see through them clearly.