NUCLEAR & PARTICLE PHYSICS · INTERACTIVE LAB 75

Radioactive Shielding Laboratory

Compare how alpha, beta, gamma and neutron radiation interact with layered shielding and distance.

Educational simulation onlyNever use these model values to select real shielding, estimate exposure or handle a radioactive source. Real radiation protection requires trained professionals and calibrated instruments.

Mixed radiation sourceMeasurement running

α Alphaβ Betaγ Gamman NeutronSecondary

Count rate0 counts/s*

Transmission100%

Attenuation0%

Detected counts0

Distance2.0 m*

Total shielding0 mm*

Detector count rate over time

Transmission versus thickness

Experiment preset Radiation type Source activity 60 model unitsParticle energy 55%Source-to-detector distance 2.0 m*Detector

Shield layer 1MaterialThickness 0 mm*

Shield layer 2MaterialThickness 0 mm*

Simulation speed 1.0×Random seed

*All activities, distances, coefficients, energies and counts are illustrative model values—not dose or exposure measurements.

Select a componentClick a particle, shield or detector to inspect its modelled interaction.

Emitted0

Transmitted0

Absorbed0

Scattered0

Statistical uncertainty±0*

Different radiation, different shielding

Paper stops alpha particles. Low-atomic-number materials such as plastic can reduce beta radiation, while dense layers gradually attenuate gamma rays. Hydrogen-rich materials slow neutrons.

Attenuation and distance

Gamma transmission follows an exponential model, I=I₀e⁻ᵘˣ. For a small source, intensity also falls approximately with the inverse square of distance.

Why counts fluctuate

Radioactive decay is random. Repeated measurements under identical conditions vary around an average, so uncertainty is part of every radiation measurement.

Model limitation: This qualitative simulation cannot select shielding or assess medical, laboratory, industrial, occupational or public exposure. Real results depend on isotope, spectrum, geometry, time, secondary radiation and regulation.