Tungsten vs Lead for Gamma Radiation Protection

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of different materials, such as lead, tungsten, and osmium, for shielding against gamma radiation. It is noted that tungsten is more dense than lead, making it a potentially safer option. However, other factors such as availability and toxicity also play a role in material choice. Other materials such as tantalum, platinum, and iridium are also mentioned as potential shielding options.
  • #1
Eskir
1
0
Hey guys, I'm quite a noob in physics.

Okay, here's my idea: We use lead to protect us from gamma radiation because it's dense enough to somewhat absorb the tiny wavelenght.
As I take it, tungsten is more dense than lead, right? Wouldn't it be safer to use tungsten instead of lead? (Looking away from the price aspect, of course...)
 
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  • #2
Eskir said:
As I take it, tungsten is more dense than lead, right? Wouldn't it be safer to use tungsten instead of lead?

Looks like the answer is yes, in the sense that you need less of it to provide the same shielding:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_cell

"This shielding can be ensured by the use of lead (common) or materials such as concrete (very large walls are therefore required) or even tungsten..."

"Lead loaded gloves are often used in conjunction with tongs as they offer better dexterity and can be used in low radiation environments (such as hot cells used in hospital nuclear medicine labs). Some companies have developed tungsten loaded gloves which offer greater dexterity than lead loaded gloves, with better shielding than their counterparts..."

Also:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma_ray#Shielding

"Gamma rays are better absorbed by materials with high atomic numbers and high density, although neither effect is important compared to the total mass per area in the path of the gamma ray. For this reason, a lead shield is only modestly better (20–30% better) as a gamma shield, than an equal mass of another shielding material such as aluminium, concrete, water or soil; lead's major advantage is not in lower weight, but rather its compactness due to its higher density."

"When a gamma ray passes through matter, the probability for absorption is proportional to the thickness of the layer, the density of the material, and the absorption cross section of the material. The total absorption shows an exponential decrease of intensity with distance from the incident surface"
 
  • #3
Osmium is even better (density around 22.6 compared to tungsten at 19.3), but osmium is even rarer than tungsten (and incredibly toxic from what I understand)
 
  • #4
Iridium might be best, but gold is a good second. Bismuth is sometimes used. Other choices are platinum and tantalum.
 
  • #5
I've seen some estimates that put the density of Hassium (element 108) around 41!
 
  • #6
Of course you would have to then shield the Hassium...

Tungsten and Tantalum are sometimes preferred to Lead because of their mechanical properties, e.g. when pieces have to be machined to be put into UHV or inside tight detector housings.
 

What is the difference between tungsten and lead for gamma radiation protection?

Tungsten and lead are both commonly used materials for shielding against gamma radiation. Tungsten is a dense metal with a high atomic number, while lead is also dense but has a lower atomic number. This means that tungsten is better at absorbing gamma radiation than lead.

Which one is more effective in protecting against gamma radiation, tungsten or lead?

Tungsten is generally considered to be more effective in protecting against gamma radiation due to its higher atomic number. However, the thickness and quality of the shielding material also play a significant role in its effectiveness.

What are the advantages of using tungsten for gamma radiation protection?

Tungsten has several advantages over lead for gamma radiation protection. It is more effective at blocking radiation, requires less thickness for the same level of protection, and is more durable. Tungsten is also non-toxic, making it a safer option for long-term use.

Are there any disadvantages to using tungsten for gamma radiation protection?

The main disadvantage of using tungsten for gamma radiation protection is its higher cost compared to lead. Tungsten is also heavier and more difficult to work with, which can make it less practical for certain applications.

In what situations would lead be a better choice for gamma radiation protection?

Lead may be a better choice for gamma radiation protection in situations where cost is a significant factor or when the shielding material needs to be more malleable and easier to shape. Lead is also more readily available and may be a more feasible option for smaller, less intense sources of radiation.

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