Which type of radiation can be stopped by lead?

Lead is an effective shielding material because of its high density and atomic number, making it capable of attenuating various types of radiation. In the case of gamma rays, which are high-energy electromagnetic radiation, lead is an essential protective material due to its ability to reduce the intensity of gamma radiation significantly. The dense structure of lead helps absorb and scatter the gamma rays, thus preventing them from penetrating through.

While X-rays, gamma rays, beta particles, and alpha particles are all forms of radiation, their interactions with matter vary significantly. Alpha particles, being relatively large and positively charged, can be easily stopped by materials like paper or skin. Beta particles, which are smaller and negatively charged, are more penetrating than alpha particles but can be stopped by materials such as plastic or glass. X-rays, like gamma rays, are also forms of high-energy radiation, but while lead is useful for both X-rays and gamma rays, the option focuses specifically on gamma rays in this context.

The ability of lead to stop gamma rays is particularly crucial in environments like dental facilities, where exposure to both X-rays and gamma rays can occur, ensuring that safety measures are in place to protect both patients and staff from unnecessary radiation exposure.