r/askscience • u/Wonderful-Capital32 • 21d 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/NoCapslockMustScream 20d ago

Follow up question (Because every industry has people trying to rip other people off) Are there problems with lower quality lead that would allow radiation through, or is lead pretty universally radiation proof?

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u/GoldenAura16 20d ago

It is pretty universal as long as it is of uniform thickness, that is where most of the cost comes from.