This question is about the radioactive radiation (nuclear energy)... I can't understand that statement. Please explain to me. Thanks!
2007-06-28 05:50:35 · 6 answers · asked by xiong 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
The basis of the question is actually wrong. Lead is commonly used because it is very dense, and therefore blocks radioactivity very well. But it is not the best.
Lead is NOT, as some other answers have asserted, the densest non-radioactive material. Tungsten is more dense than lead and makes a better radiation shield. However, it is much more expensive than lead. Depleated uranium is also used in some radiation shields because it is even more dense and blocks radiation very well, despite being very slightly radioactive itself.
If you want detailed explanations of why dense material blocks radiation better, do some research on Beer's Law.
2007-06-28 06:13:20 · answer #1 · answered by Michael C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its all about the molecular composition of the two elements. Lead is a very heavy metal and its molecular structure is very dense. The radioactive particles cannot penetrate the lead molecules so that makes it a good material to contain radio active substances.
2007-06-28 12:55:30 · answer #2 · answered by Sane 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lead is the densest substance that isn't itself radioactive. The radioactive particles (alpha, beta, gamma, etc) that are emitted are reflected or absorbed by the lead.
2007-06-28 12:59:25 · answer #3 · answered by TG 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Being the heaviest stable element it absorbs radioactive radiations with minimum thickness.
2007-06-28 13:23:12 · answer #4 · answered by Abhinesh 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because it is so dense, lead absorbs gamma radiation very well.
2007-06-28 12:54:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is more dense than other materials.
2007-06-28 14:46:43 · answer #6 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋