Will a faraday cage stop gamma rays?

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SUMMARY

A Faraday cage is ineffective against gamma rays and X-rays due to their high energy and penetrating power. These forms of radiation require dense materials for attenuation, with concrete and lead being the most effective. The discussion emphasizes that while Faraday cages are designed to block lower frequency electromagnetic radiation, they cannot stop high-energy photons such as those at 10 keV, 100 keV, and 1 MeV. The use of pulsed DC current at the same frequency as gamma rays does not provide a solution for radiation shielding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic radiation types, specifically gamma rays and X-rays.
  • Knowledge of radiation shielding materials, particularly concrete and lead.
  • Familiarity with photon energy levels, including 10 keV, 100 keV, and 1 MeV.
  • Basic principles of Faraday cages and their applications in electromagnetic shielding.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of concrete and lead in radiation shielding.
  • Study the mechanisms of Compton scattering and Bremsstrahlung radiation.
  • Explore advanced radiation protection techniques beyond Faraday cages.
  • Investigate the energy levels and characteristics of various types of electromagnetic radiation.
USEFUL FOR

Radiation safety professionals, nuclear engineers, physicists, and anyone involved in radiation protection and shielding strategies.

indio007
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Can a faraday cage be used to stop the radiation at the Japanese reactor? If not why not? I know the frequencty is high but what if you pulsed DC current at the same frequency would that stop it?
 
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indio007 said:
Can a faraday cage be used to stop the radiation at the Japanese reactor? If not why not? I know the frequencty is high but what if you pulsed DC current at the same frequency would that stop it?
Faraday cages work on radio/microwaves. X-rays and gamma rays penetrate matter.

I suggest one determine the frequencies of 10 keV, 100 keV, 1 MeV photons.
 
When it comes to stopping high energy electromagnetic radiation there is little better than thickness and/or density - concrete and lead come to mind as suitable substances. Lead has the density but also produces high energy compton recoil electrons that can subsequently lose energy via Bremsstrahlung radiation.
 

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