For K-12 Students · Radiation Shielding
Radiation Shielding for a radon test
Built for k-12 students learning it in middle or high school. Watch the idea come alive with plain-language steps and everyday examples — perfect for projects and homework. Simulate a radon test 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).
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 k-12 students?
- Yes — this version of "Radiation Shielding for a radon test" is framed for k-12 students learning it in middle or high school. Watch the idea come alive with plain-language steps and everyday examples — perfect for projects and homework.
- Do I need to install anything?
- No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.