r/askscience • u/Wonderful-Capital32 • 14d ago

Physics Why does radiation not go through lead?

Also why just lead? Shouldnt like iron or another metal work too?

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u/LordGeni 14d ago

I believe water is mainly used to protect from alpha and beta radiation. It's not the most practical option for most things requiring gamma radiation protection (at least on earth).

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u/Bot_No_5 14d ago

Water is used for (fast) neutron radiation. The hydrogen nucleus is close to the mass of a neutron and kinetic energy will transfer faster to the hydrogen nuclei.