Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What is the primary way to shield against gamma radiation?

1. Concrete walls

2. Lead sheets

3. Wooden barriers

4. Glass windows

The correct answer is: Lead sheets

Lead sheets are highly effective for shielding against gamma radiation because of lead's high density and atomic number. Gamma rays are forms of electromagnetic radiation that have high energy and penetrating capabilities, making them difficult to stop with lighter materials. Lead provides substantial mass that absorbs and scatters gamma rays effectively, reducing exposure significantly. Concrete walls can also offer some level of protection due to their density and thickness, but they are less effective than lead for the same thickness. Other materials, like wood and glass, are considerably lighter and do not provide sufficient shielding against gamma radiation. Therefore, using lead sheets is the preferred method in radiation safety practices for protecting against the penetrating nature of gamma radiation.