What material is commonly used for shielding nuclear gauges?

The material commonly used for shielding nuclear gauges is lead due to its high density and effective attenuation of gamma radiation. Nuclear gauges often emit radiation, and lead serves as an effective barrier that significantly reduces the intensity of this radiation before it can reach and potentially harm operators or the environment. Lead's ability to absorb and stop gamma rays makes it an industry standard for radiation shielding, ensuring the safety of personnel who work with or near these gauges.

In comparison, while plastic, glass, and aluminum can provide some degree of radiation protection, they are less effective than lead. Plastic is lightweight and can be used for certain types of low-radiation sources, but it does not provide sufficient shielding for gamma radiation. Glass may also be used, but it lacks the density required to block higher-energy radiation effectively. Aluminum can shield to a degree, particularly against low-energy beta particles, but its low atomic number limits its effectiveness for gamma radiation, making lead the superior choice for nuclear gauge shielding.