Which material shields and absorbs a high percentage of radiation?

Which material shields and absorbs a high percentage of radiation?

• A. Concrete
• B. Plastic
• C. Glass
• D. Lead

Answer: (D)

Shielding effectiveness depends on a material’s density and atomic number—the higher those properties, the more efficiently the material absorbs X-ray photons. Lead has a very high atomic number (82) and is very dense, so it causes more interactions with photons (photoelectric effect and scattering) per thickness. That means even a relatively thin lead barrier can absorb a large percentage of diagnostic X-rays, providing strong protection in medical settings. Concrete can shield, but it would require a much thicker wall to achieve the same level of attenuation as a thin layer of lead, making it less practical for portable shielding or aprons. Plastic and glass have much lower atomic numbers and densities, so they offer far less attenuation and are not suitable as primary shielding for high-radiation exposure. So lead is the best choice for absorbing a high percentage of radiation in practical shielding applications.

Shielding effectiveness depends on a material’s density and atomic number—the higher those properties, the more efficiently the material absorbs X-ray photons. Lead has a very high atomic number (82) and is very dense, so it causes more interactions with photons (photoelectric effect and scattering) per thickness. That means even a relatively thin lead barrier can absorb a large percentage of diagnostic X-rays, providing strong protection in medical settings.

Concrete can shield, but it would require a much thicker wall to achieve the same level of attenuation as a thin layer of lead, making it less practical for portable shielding or aprons. Plastic and glass have much lower atomic numbers and densities, so they offer far less attenuation and are not suitable as primary shielding for high-radiation exposure.

So lead is the best choice for absorbing a high percentage of radiation in practical shielding applications.