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taffer33
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Concrete for example - you need less concrete to obtain the same lead equivalent for photon energy 500 keV than for 200 keV. What is the reason for this?
It's a property of lead rather than a property of the concrete.taffer33 said:https://archive.org/details/jresv38n6p665
it's in this article for example
I asked this question as I was reading about shieldings in PET departments, where they suggest lead/concrete ratio 12-15, while ratio for 150 keV X-Ray is 80... (These are example regulations from my country).
Low-Z shielding materials, such as aluminum or plastic, contain atoms with fewer protons and electrons compared to high-Z materials like lead. This means that at higher photon energies, the interaction between photons and low-Z atoms is less likely to produce secondary particles, making the shielding more effective.
The effectiveness of low-Z shielding at higher photon energies is directly related to its thickness. Thicker shielding allows for more interactions between photons and low-Z atoms, resulting in a greater reduction of photon energy and a higher level of protection.
No, low-Z shielding is most effective for protecting against photon radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays. It is less effective for stopping charged particles, such as alpha and beta particles, which require high-Z materials for effective shielding.
The composition of a low-Z shielding material, specifically the type and amount of low-Z atoms present, can greatly impact its effectiveness at higher photon energies. Materials with a higher concentration of low-Z atoms, such as plastic, are more effective than those with a lower concentration, like wood.
No, low-Z shielding is not always the most effective option for radiation protection. The type and energy of the radiation, as well as the specific application, should be considered when selecting the most appropriate shielding material. Low-Z shielding may be more cost-effective and suitable for certain situations, but high-Z materials may be necessary for maximum protection.