Radiation question

[youngsyr]

Not sure this topic fits well into any other of the fora, so I've posted it here. Please don't shoot me.

Is it possible to turn one type of radiation into another, simply by passing it through a simple material?

Specifically, I would like to know if it's possible to change the radiation found in the Van Allen belts (which I believe to be protons, electrons and alpha particles) into x-rays by passing it through a few millimetres of aluminium.

My initial instinct is that this is the equivalent of alchemy, but someone has claimed it's possible and I'd like to show them that it's not. To that end, if anyone could post up a link or an explanation showing that it's not possible, I would be extremely grateful.

Thanks in advance for any help offered.

[phumy]

Smart arse

[wadgebeast]

Vaguely remember from my physics days that when you broke up atoms into their constituent parts, excess energy was released in the form of x rays, gamma rays, heat and light.

[rhinochopig]

Oh god this is going to turn into a moon hoax thread. I can feel it in my bones.

And in answer to your question no.

Edited by rhinochopig on Tuesday 4th August 09:53

[youngsyr]

Thanks, I've answered my question with help from another member and a decent website he linked on another thread. The answer is that beta particles can emit X-rays when the hit large atoms, such as metals.

If you want to shield against them without emitting X-rays, you use a material with a high number of hydrogen atoms. Apparently water is effective, or a hydrogen dense plastic.

Edited by youngsyr on Tuesday 4th August 12:26

[Locke]

youngsyr said:

Thanks, I've answered my question with help from another member and a decent website he linked on another thread. The answer is that beta particles can emit X-rays when the hit large atoms, such as metals.

If you want to shield against them without emitting X-rays, you use a material with a high number of hydrogen atoms. Apparently water is effective, or a hydrogen dense plastic.

Edited by youngsyr on Tuesday 4th August 12:26

Indeed