Question

Arrange the following according to their ability to act as radiation shields, with the best first and worst last. Explain your ordering in terms of how radiation loses its energy in matter.

a) Water, Lead, Aluminum, Air.

b) Lead, Aluminum, Water, Air.

c) Aluminum, Water, Lead, Air.

d) Air, Aluminum, Water, Lead.

Answer 1

The best arrangement for radiation shields is lead, water, aluminum, and air, based on their ability to absorb radiation energy through interactions with atoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct arrangement according to their ability to act as radiation shields, from best to worst, is:

1. Lead
2. Water
3. Aluminum
4. Air

Radiation loses its energy in matter through interactions with the atoms or molecules of the material. Lead atoms, being denser and heavier, are more effective at absorbing radiation energy compared to other materials. Water, although less dense than lead, has high molecular density and can also absorb radiation well. Aluminum and air have lower densities and are less effective in shielding radiation due to a lower number of interactions between the radiation and atoms.