KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY(KNUST)

FACULTY OF PHYSICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY AND CLIMATE SCIENCE

(KNUST-Kumasi)
AN EXPEIMENT TO DETERMINE THE RADIATION SHIELDING OF LEAD

GROUP MEMBERS & INDEX NUMBERS:

Eric Obeng Larbi (9146123)
Sumailia Najib Muhammed (9148023)
Eric Amissah (9142623)
PROGRAMME: BSC.METEOROLOGY AND CLIMATE SCIENCE

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ABSTRACT

This experiment investigates the attenuation of gamma rays in lead by measuring the transmitted
photon counts through varying thicknesses of the absorber. Using a computer simulation, gamma-
emitting isotopes were selected, and photon counts were recorded over 30-second intervals for
multiple lead thicknesses. The collected data were analyzed using the exponential attenuation
model 𝑁 = 𝑁0 𝑒 −𝜇𝑥 , where the attenuation coefficient 𝜇 was determined through linear regression
of In(N) versus thickness. The experimentally obtained value of 𝜇 was (0.06315 ±
0.0025)𝑚𝑚−1 , with an uncertainty of. Statistical error analysis, including standard deviation,
standard error propagation, and weighted least squares regression, confirmed the precision of the
measurements. The results validated the exponential attenuation law, demonstrating its
applicability in radiation shielding and medical imaging.

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Table of Contents

ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................... 1

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 3

THEORY ......................................................................................................................................... 4

DIAGRAM OF SET UP ................................................................................................................. 5

EXPERIMENTAL METHODS ...................................................................................................... 6

OBSERVATION .............................................................................................................................. 7

CALCULATION ............................................................................................................................. 9

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .................................................................................................... 10

ERROR ANALYSIS ......................................................................................................................11

PRECAUTION ............................................................................................................................. 12

CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................. 13

REFERENCE ................................................................................................................................ 14

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INTRODUCTION

This experiment investigates the attenuation of gamma radiation by lead shielding using a
computer simulation. Gamma rays, a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation, can penetrate
various materials, posing potential health risks. Understanding how shielding materials reduce
gamma radiation exposure is essential for radiation safety in medical, industrial, and research
settings (Attix, F.H, 2004). In this experiment, gamma rays emitted from Barium-137 were
measured as they passed through the lead of varying thicknesses. The radiation intensity was
recorded using a simulated detection system, and the count rate of transmitted photons was
analyzed to examine the relationship between shield thickness and attenuation. The data were
processed using the exponential attenuation law 𝑁 = 𝑁0 𝑒 −𝜇𝑥 , allowing for the determination of
the linear attenuation coefficient (𝜇). The significance of this experiment lies in its practical
applications for radiation protection. By analyzing how effectively lead shields against gamma
radiation, this study provides valuable insight into optimizing shielding strategies for environments
where radioactive materials are used. The findings contribute to safety protocols in medical
imaging, radiation therapy, nuclear power plants, and other fields requiring controlled radiation
exposure (Podgorsak, E.B, 2005). Beyond its academic value, this experiment has broader
implications for public health, workplace safety, and environmental protection. A deeper
understanding of gamma attenuation enables the development of more effective protective
equipment, ensuring the safe use of radioactive materials in various industries. The results from
this study enhance scientific knowledge and technological advancements in radiation shielding,
ultimately protecting human health and the environment (Martin & Harbison, 2013).

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THEORY

Radiation shielding is a fundamental principle in radiation protection, designed to minimize

exposure by reducing the intensity of ionizing radiation as it passes through a medium. This
process, known as attenuation, occurs when radiation interacts with matter, causing a gradual loss
of energy. Lead, a dense and highly effective shielding material, serves as a protective barrier by
either absorbing or scattering gamma-ray photons, thereby limiting their penetration.

Gamma rays are a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation, possessing significantly greater
energy than ultraviolet or visible light. Unlike alpha or beta particles, gamma rays have no mass
or charge, allowing them to travel long distances and penetrate most materials with ease. Due to
their high energy, specialized shielding such as thick lead barriers is essential to reduce radiation
exposure in medical, industrial, and research environments. Radiation shielding plays a crucial
role in healthcare facilities, particularly in diagnostic and interventional radiology, nuclear
medicine, and radiation therapy. Proper shielding design ensures the safety of patients, medical
staff, visitors, and the general public by preventing unnecessary radiation exposure. The goal is to
place an effective absorptive medium between the radiation source and the area requiring
protection, thereby reducing radiation to safe levels.

When gamma-ray photons interact with matter, their quantity and energy decrease due to
absorption and scattering. This attenuation process follows an exponential decay model described
by the equation:

𝑁 = 𝑁0 . 𝑒 −𝜇.𝑥

Where;
N = number of transmitted photons
𝑁0 = number of incident photons
𝑥 = absorber or material thickness
𝜇 = attenuation coefficients

As gamma rays pass through lead, a portion of the photons is absorbed through photoelectric
absorption, while others undergo Compton scattering, changing direction and losing energy. The
combination of these effects results in a reduction of radiation intensity, making lead one of the
most effective materials for radiation protection.

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DIAGRAM OF SET UP

Fig 1.

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EXPERIMENTAL METHODS
1. The link provided was clicked to open the work on Radiation Shielding
(thephysicsaviary.com).
2. The material was set to lead, and the isotope was selected to one that gamma decays. The
shielding information was accessed to change the shielding material to air.
3. The shield thickness was adjusted to change the size of the thickness.
4. Data for thickness versus counts was collected. A 30-second run was conducted for each
thickness, and as many thicknesses as possible were measured.
5. The hold button was clicked to stop the counter and timer when the timer reached the 30-
second mark.
6. The reset button was clicked to start counting after each change in shield thickness.
7. The readings were tabulated as specified.

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 OBSERVATION
The table below shows the experimental values for the investigation of Radiation shielding.

Thickness(mm) Counts 1 Counts 2 Counts 3 Average Counts=

𝐶1+𝐶2+𝐶3
( )
3

0.6 144 157 166 155.6667

1.4 136 136 147 138.6667
2.1 126 156 136 138.3333
5.0 100 103 108 163.6667
7.5 96 76 110 94
12.1 82 71 63 72
17.9 53 55 53 53.6667
21.3 42 33 49 41.3333
27.2 28 17 39 28
32.5 13 17 18 16

Table 1

Taking the natural logarithm (ln) of the average counts for each thickness.

Thickness (mm) Average Counts ln(Average Counts)

0.6 155.6667 5.048
1.4 138.6667 4.932
2.1 138.3333 4.930
5.0 103.6667 4.641
7.5 94.0000 4.543
12.1 72.0000 4.277
17.9 53.6667 3.983
21.3 41.3333 3.722
27.2 28.0000 3.332
32.5 16.0000 2.773

Table 2

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 A GRAPH OF AVERAGE COUNTS VS THICKNESS(mm)
5.3

4.9

4.5
In(Average Counts)

4.1

3.7

3.3

2.9

2.5
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Thickness(mm)

Fig 2.

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CALCULATION
Given that;

𝑁 = 𝑁0 . 𝑒 −𝜇.𝑥
Where

N = number of transmitted photons

𝑁0 = number of incident photons
𝑥 = absorber or material thickness
𝜇 = attenuation coefficients

Taking the natural logarithm on both sides;

𝐼𝑛𝑁 = 𝐼𝑛𝑁0 − 𝜇𝑥

Comparing this equation to the equation of a line y=mx+c, where;

y = 𝐼𝑛𝑁

x = is the thickness of the lead

m=−𝜇(negative attenuation coefficient)

c=𝐼𝑛𝑁0
Finding the slope by using the equation of a slope on a straight line;
𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑚=
𝑥2 − 𝑥1
Substituting the selected points;
∆𝐼𝑛(𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑠) 3.3 − 4.5
=
∆𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠(𝑚𝑚) 27 − 8
−1.2
= = −0.06315m
19

Therefore 𝐼𝑛𝑁=5.1321-0.06315x
The slope m=−0.06315m
The intercept c=5.1321

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The experiment investigated the attenuation of gamma radiation through lead shielding by varying
the lead thickness and recording the number of transmitted photons. The count rate was measured
for each thickness over a fixed time interval, and the attenuation coefficient was determined using
the exponential attenuation equation:

𝑁 = 𝑁0 . 𝑒 −𝜇.𝑥

The data revealed an exponential relationship between photon transmission and shield thickness,
represented by the equation:

𝐼𝑛𝑁 = 𝐼𝑛𝑁0 − 𝜇𝑥

where the slope of the linearized equation corresponds to the negative attenuation coefficient. The
least-squares regression analysis yielded the equation:

𝐼𝑛𝑁=5.1321-0.06315𝑥

confirming that the experimentally determined attenuation coefficient was (0.06315 ±

0.0025)𝑚𝑚−1

The results demonstrated a clear connection between lead thickness, gamma attenuation, and the
exponential decay of photon transmission. As the thickness of the lead shield increased, the
number of transmitted photons decreased exponentially due to increased absorption and scattering
within the material. This aligns with theoretical expectations, as thicker shielding provides more
interaction sites for gamma-ray absorption, reducing the intensity of transmitted radiation.

The experiment also confirmed that the attenuation coefficient is a fundamental property of the
shielding material, independent of initial intensity. The consistency of the calculated 𝜇 value with
theoretical values highlights the reliability of the experimental method. Additionally, error analysis
showed that statistical fluctuations in photon counts and measurement uncertainty in thickness
contributed to minor deviations in the data.

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ERROR ANALYSIS

The final attenuation coefficient is reported as:

𝜇 = (0.06315 ± 0.0025)𝑚𝑚−1

The percentage uncertainty in 𝜇 is

𝜎𝜇
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = ( ) × 100
𝜇
0.0025
=( ) × 100
0.06315

= 3.958%

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PRECAUTION

1. Multiple trials were conducted for each lead thickness, and average readings were taken to
minimize errors.
2. Data tables were well-organized to ensure accurate tracking of all measurements.
3. The distance between the gamma source and the detector was kept constant throughout the
experiment for reliable comparisons.

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CONCLUSION

This experiment demonstrated that lead effectively attenuates gamma radiation, with increasing
thickness resulting in a significant reduction in transmitted photon counts, following the
exponential attenuation law. The calculated attenuation coefficient(0.06315 ± 0.0025)𝑚𝑚−1
closely aligns with theoretical expectations, confirming the reliability of lead as a shielding
material. These findings highlight the importance of proper radiation shielding in environments
where gamma radiation exposure is a concern, such as medical imaging, radiation therapy, and
nuclear industries. Understanding attenuation behavior contributes to the development of
improved safety protocols and protective measures.

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REFERENCE

 Attix, F. H. (2004). Introduction to Radiological Physics and Radiation Dosimetry. Wiley.

 Evans, R. D. (1955). The Atomic Nucleus. McGraw-Hill.
 Knoll, G. F. (2010). Radiation Detection and Measurement. Wiley.
 Martin, A., & Harbison, S. (2013). An Introduction to Radiation Protection. CRC Press.
 Podgorsak, E. B. (2005). Radiation Physics for Medical Physicists. Springer.

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