Gamma radiation sorce sheilding

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on calculating the necessary shielding thickness for a gamma radiation source (226Ra) to reduce exposure to 1% using materials such as concrete, lead, and steel, with half-thicknesses of 0.12m, 0.014m, and 0.018m respectively. The discussion also addresses the alternative method of increasing the distance from the radiation source, specifically comparing a distance of 1m to 10m, and suggests using Lambert's law and the inverse square law for calculations. Participants seek clarification on these methods to prepare for exams.

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  • Understanding of gamma radiation and its properties
  • Familiarity with Lambert's law for radiation shielding calculations
  • Knowledge of the inverse square law for radiation exposure
  • Basic grasp of linear attenuation coefficients and half-thicknesses
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  • Research Lambert's law and its application in radiation shielding
  • Study the inverse square law and its implications for radiation exposure
  • Explore the properties and densities of concrete, lead, and steel for shielding
  • Learn about linear attenuation coefficients and how to calculate them
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taylor.simon
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Homework Statement



a gamma raidiation source (226Ra) is used in hospital laboratory. if shielding is considered as a means of control how many centimeters are needed to reduce the radiation to 1% of what a worker would be exposed to without shielding? assume the shield material is a) concrete B)lead C) steel note the half thicknesses are 0.12m, 0.014m ,0.018m respectively

part 2
as an alternative to shielding of the radiation source in the above question is to extend the distance between the radiation and the worker if the initial design placed the worker at 1m and then the design was review and place the source 10m what percentage reduction in radiation exposure would there for the second position relative to the first

Homework Equations



part 1 n=-2/log1/2
part 1 df/di = (ri/rf)^2 ri=1m rf=10m

The Attempt at a Solution



i have no idea how to do ether i asked the lecturer and he said there was a way without have to do logarithms for the first part but didn't explain how and i need to know how for my exams please and help is greatly appreciated!
 
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Hi,
Part 1:
Please use Lambert's law.
<br /> \frac{I_{\rm mat}}{I_0}=\exp[\frac{-\mu}{\rho}t_{\rm mat}\rho].<br />
Where 'mat' represent the material used for shielding (concrete or lead or steel)
Imat is the amount that you get after shielding
I0 is just the source strength or amount without shielding
\rho is density
tmat is thickness of the material
\mu is linear attenuation coefficient.
Part 2:
I don't understand. But maybe you need to use inverse square law.
hope it helps.
 

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