e inches in the air
Email: and are
easily stopped
by a sheet of pap
er.
Another radiation is the beta particle,
basically a very light electron that moves at
less than the speed of light. These particles
are more energetic than alpha particles, but
can be stopped by a thin sheet of metal or
heavy clothing.
The third form of nuclear radiation is
the gamma ray. This is a type of electromagnetic
radiation like visible light, radio waves
and X-rays. They travel at the speed of light.
It takes at least an inch of lead or eight
inches of concrete to stop them.
Finally, neutrons are also emitted by
some radioactive substances. Neutrons are
very penetrating but are not as common in
nature. Neutrons have the capability of
striking t scientists use the RBTF in terrorist explosive attack scenarios to evaluate responses of aircraft to energetic materials that may be carried onboard in the cargo and passenger sections of a commercial aircraft. The results of these tests are used to engineer safer aircraft for passenger travel.