Comparative study on attenuation and scattering of γ-rays through sedimentary and igneous rocks

The attenuation and scattering coefficients of gamma-rays of different energies in two sedimentary and two igneous natural rocks: siltstone, conglomerate, andesite and felsite respectively, and also in compressed powdered samples of the same four rocks, were studied. The effects of particle size (grain diameter d mm) and sample density, ρ, with radiation energy (E) ranging from 0.36 to 1.33 MeV, were investigated. The results showed an inverse proportionality between the linear attenuation coefficient μ and both d and E, also we found that μ has a direct proportionality with the sample density, ρ. The side scattering coefficient, φ, is directly proportional to both d and E, but at the same time φ has an inverse proportionality with the sample density ρ