What type of radiation does lead effectively shield against?

Lead is particularly effective at shielding against gamma rays and X-rays due to its high atomic number and density. Gamma rays and X-rays are forms of electromagnetic radiation that have high penetrating power, making them difficult to stop. The dense atomic structure of lead provides the necessary mass and electron density to attenuate these types of radiation effectively.

While lead does offer some protection against alpha and beta particles, it is not as necessary due to the nature of these particles. Alpha particles, for example, can be easily stopped by a sheet of paper or even the outer layer of human skin. Beta particles can penetrate further than alpha particles but can still be effectively shielded by materials like plastic or glass. Thus, while lead can provide some shielding against all types of radiation to varying degrees, its primary and most effective use is in protecting against gamma rays and X-rays.