Which material is the best choice for shielding P-32?

The optimal choice for shielding P-32, or phosphorus-32, is plastic due to its effective attenuation of beta particles, which are the primary radiation emitted by this radioactive isotope. P-32 predominantly emits beta radiation, which can be relatively easily stopped by materials with low atomic numbers, such as plastic, making it sufficient for this purpose.

Plastic is lightweight, easy to handle, and offers adequate protection while allowing visibility if necessary, which can be advantageous in a laboratory setting. It is important to select shielding that not only effectively limits radiation exposure but is also practical for the workplace environment.

Other materials like lead and glass may not be as effective for beta particles specifically; lead is more suited for gamma radiation due to its high density and atomic number, while glass can also be too dense for beta radiation and presents fragility risks. Plexiglass, although a type of plastic, is generally less effective than other forms of plastic specifically designed for radiation shielding.