Nuclear Shielding

Materials

3" acrylic squares, 0.50 inches thick, 2
3" aluminum squares, 0.01 inches thick, 2
3" aluminum squares, 0.03 inches thick, 2
3" copper squares, 0.010 inches thick, 2
3" copper squares, 0.025 inches thick, 2
3" high-density polyethylene squares, 0.50 inches thick, 2
3" lead squares, 0.03 inches thick, 2
3" lead squares, 0.06 inches thick, 2
3" wood block squares, 0.75 inches thick, 2
Plastic support stand for metal squares, 4

Procedure

A typical experimental setup for measuring the effectiveness of shielding materials is shown in Figure 1.

{12991_Procedure_Figure_1}
After determining the background radiation count, the radioactive source is placed a specific distance from the detector. The source radiation is then counted for a specific amount of time and recorded. The shielding material is then placed between the detector and the radiation source. The radiation that penetrates the shielding is counted for the same amount of time and recorded. A typical data table is included.

Sample Data

{12991_Procedure_Table_1}

Recommended Products

Item No. Description
AP6895 Nuclear Shielding—Super Value Kit

†Next Generation Science Standards and NGSS are registered trademarks of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.