Why is shielding used in radiation protection?

Shielding is a fundamental principle in radiation protection and is primarily utilized to absorb or block radiation, thereby reducing exposure to individuals working near radioactive sources. Different materials are chosen for shielding based on the type of radiation they need to attenuate, such as lead for gamma rays or concrete for neutrons.

When radiation passes through matter, it can interact with atoms in the shielding material, causing the radiation to lose energy or be completely absorbed. This interaction significantly decreases the amount of radiation that can reach a person or sensitive equipment, making the work environment safer.

In contrast, the other options focus on different contexts and uses: containing hazardous chemicals is unrelated to radiation shielding, enhancing the effectiveness of radiation detection addresses the functionality of detectors rather than protective measures, and creating a vacuum pertains to experimental setups rather than radiation exposure considerations. Thus, option A accurately reflects the role of shielding in protecting against radiation exposure.