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tastytau
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Homework Statement
Calculate the fraction of photons absorbed from an attenuated beam of 0.5 MeV photons after it has gone through 1.3 cm of lead? The linear attenuation coefficient of lead for 0.5 MeV photons is 0.5 cm-1. Why is lead a good choice as a material for shielding?
Homework Equations
I = I0e-ut
The Attempt at a Solution
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I = 0.5 MeV e-(0.5/cmx1.3cm)
I = 0.26 = 0.3 MeV
Fraction = 3/5
Lead is effective at attenuating photons because it has a high density and high atomic number. Many photons are attenuated in lead by striking atoms.
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