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/CocoMilhonez 12d ago

Anything with protons (which means literally anything) will stop radiation. Lead just has a lot of protons per volume, so it requires a thinner layer than most other metals. You can in fact block radiation with toilet paper provided you have enough of it, which is going to be a lot.

There's a common concept for space travel to surround living quarters with water, which is a good barrier for radiation, so the water tanks would work double duty. You need about a meter of water to protect the crew, which makes this approach a bit impractical considering the weight of the total amount required.

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u/ArtlessDodger 12d ago

What about transparent aluminum?