At a minimum, what will protect you from alpha particles?

Prepare for the REHS/RS Solid and Hazardous Waste Test with comprehensive multiple choice questions, detailed hints, and in-depth explanations. Ace your environmental health exam!

Multiple Choice

At a minimum, what will protect you from alpha particles?

Explanation:
Alpha particles have very low penetrating power; they can be stopped by something as thin as a sheet of paper. So, for external shielding, a sheet of paper is enough to protect you from alpha radiation. Other options are not needed: a lead apron is meant for more penetrating radiation like gamma rays or X-rays, aluminum foil would also stop alpha but provides more shielding than the minimum, and safety goggles don’t offer meaningful protection against external alpha exposure.

Alpha particles have very low penetrating power; they can be stopped by something as thin as a sheet of paper. So, for external shielding, a sheet of paper is enough to protect you from alpha radiation. Other options are not needed: a lead apron is meant for more penetrating radiation like gamma rays or X-rays, aluminum foil would also stop alpha but provides more shielding than the minimum, and safety goggles don’t offer meaningful protection against external alpha exposure.

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