How can beta radiation be effectively shielded?

How can beta radiation be effectively shielded?

• A. Using a thick lead wall
• B. With a sheet of paper
• C. With plastic, glass, or a few millimeters of aluminum
• D. With a water barrier

Answer: (C)

Beta radiation consists of high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive materials. To effectively shield against beta radiation, materials with low atomic mass that can easily interact with these particles are most effective. Plastic, glass, or a few millimeters of aluminum serve as appropriate shielding materials because their atomic structure allows them to slow down and absorb beta particles effectively. The electrons emitted in beta decay are less penetrating than gamma or X-rays, which means that relatively light materials can stop them adequately. For instance, a few millimeters of aluminum can effectively reduce the intensity of the beta radiation to safe levels, making it a practical choice for shielding in various scenarios. Using a thick lead wall is not practical in this case, as lead is more effective for shielding against gamma rays rather than low-mass beta particles. On the other hand, a sheet of paper, while able to stop very low-energy beta particles, might not be adequate for all types of beta radiation, especially those with higher energies. A water barrier, while it can provide some level of shielding, is generally less efficient for beta radiation than solid materials like aluminum or plastics, making options with specific solid materials a more targeted approach for this type of radiation.

Beta radiation consists of high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive materials. To effectively shield against beta radiation, materials with low atomic mass that can easily interact with these particles are most effective.

Plastic, glass, or a few millimeters of aluminum serve as appropriate shielding materials because their atomic structure allows them to slow down and absorb beta particles effectively. The electrons emitted in beta decay are less penetrating than gamma or X-rays, which means that relatively light materials can stop them adequately. For instance, a few millimeters of aluminum can effectively reduce the intensity of the beta radiation to safe levels, making it a practical choice for shielding in various scenarios.

Using a thick lead wall is not practical in this case, as lead is more effective for shielding against gamma rays rather than low-mass beta particles. On the other hand, a sheet of paper, while able to stop very low-energy beta particles, might not be adequate for all types of beta radiation, especially those with higher energies. A water barrier, while it can provide some level of shielding, is generally less efficient for beta radiation than solid materials like aluminum or plastics, making options with specific solid materials a more targeted approach for this type of radiation.