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Why Is Lead Used as a Radiation Shield?

šŸ’” The Answer

  • Lead has a high atomic number (82) and density, which efficiently absorbs gamma rays and X-rays.
  • Photoelectric effect and Compton scattering dominate the attenuation process in lead.
  • A few centimeters of lead can reduce gamma radiation intensity by many orders of magnitude.
  • Lead is also relatively inexpensive and easily molded into shielding shapes.

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1922 — The final act of the Greco-Turkish War, the Great Fire of Smyrna, commences.

1922 — The final act of the Greco-Turkish War, the Great Fire of Smyrna, commences.

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