Hello, I'm Dr. Emily Carter, a physicist specializing in radiation physics and nuclear engineering. I've been studying the behavior of radiation and its interactions with matter for over 20 years.

The answer to your question, "Can radiation pass through walls?" is not a simple yes or no. It depends on several factors, including:

* The type of radiation: There are different types of radiation, each with varying levels of penetrating power.
* Alpha radiation consists of highly energetic helium nuclei. Alpha particles are relatively heavy and have a short range, meaning they can be stopped by a few centimeters of air, a sheet of paper, or even your skin.
* Beta radiation consists of high-energy electrons or positrons. Beta particles are lighter than alpha particles and have a longer range, capable of penetrating a few millimeters of aluminum or several centimeters of flesh.
* Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation, like light, but with much higher energy. Gamma rays are highly penetrating and can travel through significant thicknesses of matter, even several feet of concrete or lead.
* Neutron radiation, consisting of neutral particles, are also highly penetrating and can be difficult to stop. They can travel through significant thicknesses of concrete or even lead.
* **The thickness and composition of the wall**: Different materials have varying levels of ability to absorb radiation.
* Dense materials, such as lead, concrete, and steel, are more effective at absorbing radiation than less dense materials, such as wood or drywall.
* The thickness of the wall also plays a significant role. A thicker wall will absorb more radiation than a thinner one.

For example, a thin wooden wall wouldn't offer much protection against beta or gamma radiation, but could easily stop alpha radiation. A thick concrete wall, on the other hand, would offer much better protection against all types of radiation, but would still allow some gamma rays to penetrate.

Here's a breakdown of how different radiation types interact with various materials:

| Radiation Type | Material | Penetration |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha | Paper | Stopped |
| Alpha | Skin | Stopped |
| Beta | Aluminum (few millimeters) | Stopped |
| Beta | Flesh (several centimeters) | Stopped |
| Gamma | Concrete (several feet) | Partially attenuated |
| Gamma | Lead (several inches) | Partially attenuated |
| Neutron | Concrete (several feet) | Partially attenuated |
| Neutron | Lead (several inches) | Partially attenuated |

It's also important to consider the intensity of the radiation. A higher intensity radiation source will be more likely to penetrate a given material than a lower intensity source.

In conclusion, the answer to whether radiation can pass through walls is complex. It depends on the type of radiation, the thickness and composition of the wall, and the intensity of the radiation source.

If you're concerned about radiation exposure, it's important to consult with a qualified professional who can assess the situation and provide guidance on how to minimize your risk.
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Gamma rays travel like any other electromagnetic waves - cutting a fairly straight line through world. They can move through a vacuum, or through air or water. They can also cut through light elements like aluminum or most metals. Lead can cut down on gamma radiation, but it can't really stop it.read more >>