PPolySim OS
For Hobbyists & Makers · Radiation Shielding

Radiation Shielding for a gamma source

Built for hobbyists & makers exploring it for fun. Play with real physics and math, no license and no setup — just open and tinker. Simulate a gamma source live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

Radiation ShieldingLive

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Presets

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.

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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).

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this good for hobbyists & makers?
Yes — this version of "Radiation Shielding for a gamma source" is framed for hobbyists & makers exploring it for fun. Play with real physics and math, no license and no setup — just open and tinker.
Do I need to install anything?
No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.