Thick dense shielding is necessary to protect a worker from which type of radiation?

Thick dense shielding is essential for protecting workers from gamma radiation and x-rays because these forms of radiation possess high energy and can penetrate most materials. Gamma rays and x-rays are electromagnetic radiation and, unlike alpha or beta particles, they do not have charge or mass. As a result, they can travel significant distances in air and penetrate through various materials, posing a serious health risk to individuals exposed to them without adequate protection.

To shield against gamma rays and x-rays effectively, materials such as lead, concrete, or other dense substances are used, as they absorb and attenuate the radiation effectively. This is crucial in environments like laboratories or medical facilities where such radiation is present, ensuring the safety of personnel working with or around these sources.