Which type of radiation can be effectively shielded by simple materials like paper and plastic?

Alpha radiation consists of positively charged particles made up of two protons and two neutrons, essentially making it similar to a helium nucleus. These particles are relatively heavy and carry a significant amount of mass compared to other types of radiation. Due to this mass and charge, alpha particles have very low penetration power and can be stopped by a few centimeters of air or even a sheet of paper.

The effectiveness of simple materials like paper and plastic in shielding alpha radiation is primarily due to the fact that these materials can easily obstruct the path of the alpha particles, preventing them from traveling further. When alpha particles encounter a barrier like paper, they lose their energy quickly and cannot pass through, making them one of the easiest types of radiation to shield against.

In contrast, other forms of radiation, such as beta particles, gamma rays, and neutrons, have greater penetration abilities and require different types of materials for effective shielding—such as thicker plastics, metals, or dense materials for beta and gamma radiation, respectively. Thus, the use of paper and plastic is particularly suitable and effective for alpha radiation.