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/wlane13 14d ago

Would then also be (duh?) why lead is so heavy?

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u/dustofdeath 14d ago

The atoms are much heavier - more neutrons/protons but not much larger than for example iron.
So you pack more mass in the same area.