Which of the following materials is commonly used for radiation shielding?

Lead is commonly used for radiation shielding due to its high density and effective attenuation properties. It has a high atomic number, which makes it particularly effective at absorbing and scattering gamma rays and X-rays. This characteristic allows for significant reduction in radiation exposure to individuals working near radiological sources.

The effectiveness of lead as a shielding material stems from its ability to form a barrier that minimizes the transmission of harmful radiation. Its use is widespread in medical facilities, laboratories, and nuclear power plants, where protecting personnel and the environment from radiation is crucial.

While other materials like plywood, plastic, and glass can offer some degree of radiation protection, they do not match lead's capability in reducing high-energy radiation. Plywood and plastic generally have lower atomic numbers and densities, making them less effective for gamma and X-ray shielding. Glass can provide some shielding but is still not as effective as lead for the types of radiation typically encountered in radiological environments. Thus, lead stands out as the preferred choice for effective radiation shielding.