Beta radiation is MOST commonly blocked by which one of the following materials?

Beta radiation is primarily composed of high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive decay. When considering materials that effectively block beta radiation, light materials with low atomic numbers are particularly effective. Glass and plastic are commonly used for this purpose because they are dense enough to prevent beta particles from penetrating through.

The effectiveness of glass and plastic in blocking beta radiation stems from their ability to absorb the energy of the beta particles through interactions that result in scattering and ionization. This means that a relatively thin layer of these materials can substantially reduce or completely stop beta radiation, making them practical and safe choices in various settings, such as in laboratory environments or medical applications.

Concrete, while a good shielding material for gamma and neutron radiation, is not as effective against beta radiation compared to glass or plastic, as it is denser and higher in atomic number, which does not impede beta particles as efficiently. Lead is primarily effective against gamma radiation due to its high density and atomic number, but for beta radiation, it can even present a hazard if the beta particles are of excessive energy, as they can result in secondary x-rays when striking lead surfaces. Magnesium alloy, while it can provide some shielding, is not as effective as glass or plastic for beta particles