What materials typically shield beta particles?

Beta particles, which are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive decay, require specific materials for effective shielding. Plastic and aluminum are commonly used because they provide adequate stopping power for beta radiation.

Plastic is beneficial as it is lightweight and easy to handle, while aluminum can absorb beta particles efficiently due to its atomic structure. The relatively low atomic number of both materials means they interact with the beta particles effectively, causing them to lose energy and eventually come to a stop.

Other materials, such as geological rock, water, glass, concrete, and brick, can shield beta particles but are typically less effective for this purpose compared to plastic and aluminum. For instance, while concrete or brick can absorb some beta radiation, they are generally used for shielding gamma radiation instead, due to their density and mass, which are more suited for that higher-energy form of radiation. Similarly, water might attenuate some beta particles, but it is not as practical or effective as plastic or aluminum in typical shielding applications.