For Students · Radiation Shielding
Radiation Shielding for a dirty-bomb scenario
Built for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition. Simulate a dirty-bomb scenario live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.
Radiation ShieldingLive
attenuation & half-value layer
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Gamma rays are not stopped abruptly — they are attenuated exponentially, I = I₀·e^(−μx). The half-value layer is the thickness that cuts intensity in half, and it takes about ten of them to reach 0.1%. Dense, high-atomic-number materials like lead have the largest μ, which is why they make the most compact shields.
Data Inspector
Transmitted3.37%
Half-value layer6.1 mm
Tenth-value layer20.4 mm
Governing equation
Reading this result: Lead cuts the beam to 3.4%; you are past one half-value layer (6.1 mm).
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Frequently asked questions
- Is this good for students?
- Yes — this version of "Radiation Shielding for a dirty-bomb scenario" is framed for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition.
- Do I need to install anything?
- No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.