Which material is effective for stopping Beta particles?

Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons that are emitted by certain types of radioactive nuclei. To effectively stop beta particles, materials that are relatively light and can efficiently absorb their energy are most effective.

Plastic is a suitable choice for stopping beta particles because it is lightweight and can slow down the electrons effectively through ionization and scattering processes. It has a lower atomic number, which reduces the likelihood of secondary radiation being produced, unlike heavier materials. In essence, as beta particles pass through plastic, they collide with the electrons in the plastic, losing their kinetic energy until they are stopped entirely.

Other materials, such as lead, steel, or granite, while they are effective at shielding against higher-energy radiation like gamma rays, may not be as efficient for beta particles. They tend to be denser and may not offer the same degree of energy absorption for beta radiation as a less dense material like plastic. Therefore, plastic represents the optimal choice for stopping beta particles effectively.