What thickness of cerrobend is equivalent to 5 cm of lead?

Cerrobend is a commonly used material in radiation therapy for shielding, and it has different attenuation properties compared to lead. The specific thickness of cerrobend that serves as an effective equivalent to lead is linked to its density and the way it interacts with radiation.

In this case, 5 cm of lead is known to provide a certain degree of shielding against radiation. Cerrobend has a lower density compared to lead, which means that it requires a greater thickness to achieve the same protective effect. The established equivalence is that approximately 1 cm of lead is approximately equivalent to 1.2 cm of cerrobend.

To determine the thickness of cerrobend needed to equal the shielding effect of 5 cm of lead, you multiply the lead thickness by the factor that accounts for the difference in density. Therefore, the calculation looks like this:

5 cm of lead x 1.2 = 6 cm of cerrobend.

This calculation aligns perfectly with the properties of both materials, confirming that the correct equivalent thickness of cerrobend would be 6 cm to provide the same level of radiation shielding as 5 cm of lead. Thus, the choice indicating this thickness is the correct answer.