Question

Often, when people have to work around radioactive materials spills, we see them wearing white coveralls (usually a plastic material). What types of radiation (if any) do you think these suits protect the worker from, and how?

a) Protects from alpha and beta radiation; acts as a barrier.

b) Protects from gamma radiation; reflects the radiation.

c) Protects from neutron radiation; absorbs neutrons.

d) Provides no protection against radiation.

Answer 1

White plastic coveralls protect workers from alpha and beta radiation by acting as a barrier, but they do not provide adequate shielding against more penetrating radiation like gamma rays.

Step-by-step explanation:

The white coveralls, often made of a plastic material, worn by workers handling radioactive material spills do provide some protection, mainly against alpha and beta radiation. These suits act as a barrier preventing the radioactive particles from contaminating the workers' skin and clothing. Specifically, the suits can prevent alpha particles, which are stopped by thin barriers like paper or skin, and beta particles, which can be stopped by a thin layer of materials such as plastic or light metals. However, these suits do not offer adequate shielding against gamma radiation or neutron radiation. Gamma rays can penetrate most materials and require dense, high atomic number materials like lead for effective attenuation.