Which material is most effective for stopping X-rays?

Lead is the most effective material for stopping X-rays due to its high atomic number and density. X-rays are a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation, and materials with higher atomic numbers can provide greater attenuation of such radiation. Lead's density enables it to absorb and scatter X-rays effectively, reducing their intensity significantly. This is particularly important in dental and medical settings, where protecting both patients and healthcare providers from unnecessary radiation exposure is paramount.

In various applications, like protective aprons or barriers used during radiographic procedures, lead is preferred because it can significantly minimize the dose of radiation received. Other materials, while they may offer some level of protection, do not provide the same level of attenuation. For example, aluminum is often used as a filter in X-ray machines because it can absorb lower-energy X-rays; however, it is less effective than lead for halting higher-energy photons. Plastic and glass may offer some protection but are insufficient when it comes to high-energy X-rays, making lead the optimal choice in radiation safety practices.