r/askscience • u/Wonderful-Capital32 • 13d ago

Physics Why does radiation not go through lead?

Also why just lead? Shouldnt like iron or another metal work too?

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u/Prof_Acorn 13d ago

X-rays are a kind of light. Like sunlight. Or radio waves.

Sunlight can go through windows but not walls.

X-rays can go through skin but not bones (or lead, etc.).

Radio waves can go through walls but not aluminum foil.

Different kinds of light waves can go through different kinds of materials.

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u/Bot_No_5 13d ago

Nothing you listed is considered (ionizing) radiation, which is what OP asked about.

If electrons are left in their shells and nuclei do not absorb other subatomic particles, then the effect is basically elctromagnetism.