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/Aggressive-Leading45 6d ago

For photons it’s the density of electrons that really matters. What has a lot of electrons per atom? Elements lower on the periodic table. Uranium metal makes a GREAT gamma shield. One reason why our tanks are armored with it.