Which of the following metals will provide the ... - JAMB Physics 2001 Question

The ability of a material to shield against ionizing radiation is related to its density and atomic number. Materials with higher density and higher atomic number are more effective at absorbing and attenuating radiation.

• Lead (Pb) has a high atomic number and high density.
• Iron (Fe) has a lower atomic number and density than lead.
• Manganese (Mn) has a lower atomic number and density than iron.
• Aluminum (Al) has a significantly lower atomic number and density than iron.

Therefore, lead provides the greatest shield against ionizing radiation.