Final answer:
Shielding from radiation involves three strategies: minimizing exposure time, maximizing distance from the source, and using materials like concrete or lead for absorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are three primary ways shielding is applied to protect against radiation: by using time, distance, and material barriers. Time refers to minimizing exposure duration to reduce radiation dose. Increasing the distance from the radiation source reduces exposure because the intensity of radiation decreases with the square of the distance from the source. Lastly, shielding materials such as concrete, lead, or steel are utilized for their ability to absorb or block radiation.
For example, in medical settings, radiation protection measures are critical. Quick imaging techniques that require less exposure time have reduced patient doses. In nuclear reactors, various materials are used for shielding: a thick steel reactor vessel, a concrete main shield, and lighter personnel shields for protecting operators from gamma and X-rays.
Shielding is applied in three ways to protect against radiation:
Using a physical barrier or shield between the source of radiation and the person. This can be any material, such as lead or concrete, that absorbs the radiation.
Increasing the distance from the radiation source. The farther away from the source, the less intense the radiation exposure.
Limiting the time of exposure to the radiation source. The shorter the exposure time, the lower the dose of radiation received.