Which material can stop beta radiation?

Beta radiation consists of high-energy, high-speed electrons emitted by certain types of radioactive decay. When considering materials that can stop beta particles, the effectiveness hinges on the mass, density, and electron interaction of the material used.

A thin sheet of metal foil, such as aluminum foil, is particularly effective at stopping beta radiation because it has sufficient thickness and density to interact with and absorb the energy of the beta particles. The electrons can collide with the atoms in the metal, losing energy and eventually coming to a halt. Additionally, aluminum is commonly used in experimental setups and shielding applications to safely block beta radiation without being excessively heavy or cumbersome.

Other materials mentioned, such as paper, lead, and thick concrete, are less suitable for this specific purpose. Paper is not dense enough to effectively absorb beta particles, while lead is typically used to shield against gamma radiation due to its high density and atomic mass, making it unnecessary for beta radiation. Thick concrete can stop beta particles as well but may not be practical or efficient compared to the targeted use of a thin sheet of metal. Thus, the thin sheet of metal foil is the most appropriate choice for effectively stopping beta radiation.