Question

A scientist has a sample of uranium–238 (U–238) that is decaying to thorium–234 (Th–234). During the transmutation, a gamma ray is emitted from the nucleus. The thorium–234 daughter particle does not decay quickly enough to be detected. What kind of storage container should he store the sample in to reduce radiation exposure? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

• The container must be built of lead, and it should be kept in a concrete vault.

Step-by-step explanation:

The goal is to contain the gamma rays to reduce the exposure to their harmful radiation.

The gamma rays are the most energetic electromagnetic radiation: they have the smallest wavelength, the largest frequency, and the largest energy from all the electromagnetic radiations.

Due to that, only very dense substances like lead and concrete can stop the gamma rays. In the case of concrete, large blocks with thick walls are required.

Thus, in a lab the best container for a sample of uranium - 238 that is decaying, emitting gamma rays, must be built of lead, and enclosed in a conrete vault.