A scientist has a sample of uranium-238 (U-238) that is decaying to thorium-234 (Th-234). During the transmutation, a gamma ray is emitted from the nucleus. The thorium-234 daughter particle does not decay quickly enough to be detected. What kind of storage container should he store the sample in to reduce radiation exposure?

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Madilynn

Physics

17 September, 10:21

A scientist has a sample of uranium-238 (U-238) that is decaying to thorium-234 (Th-234). During the transmutation, a gamma ray is emitted from the nucleus. The thorium-234 daughter particle does not decay quickly enough to be detected. What kind of storage container should he store the sample in to reduce radiation exposure?

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Sasha Dickson · Answer 1

The type of radiation being released in this case is gamma rays. They are similar to x-rays, but more energetic, and can be shielded by heavy materials such as lead. Thus, the sample should be stored in a lead-container to reduce exposure