Radiation Safety Officer – BEO 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted during radioactive decay. To effectively shield against beta radiation, materials need to be utilized that can absorb or deflect these particles. Aluminum is particularly effective because it has an appropriate electron density that allows it to stop beta particles with a relatively thin barrier. A few millimeters of aluminum are often sufficient to prevent beta particles from penetrating further, making it an ideal choice for shielding in many applications.

Other materials can provide varying levels of protection but may not be as effective or practical as aluminum. For instance, lead is not suitable for beta radiation as it is primarily used to shield against gamma rays and x-rays, due to its high atomic number. Glass can also provide some shielding, but it is typically not as effective as aluminum for beta particles. Concrete, while a good shield against many types of radiation, is often not necessary for beta particles since thinner materials like aluminum can do the job more efficiently. Thus, aluminum stands out as the most appropriate choice for shielding against beta radiation.