Which type of radiation can be stopped by clothing?

The type of radiation that can be effectively stopped by clothing is alpha radiation. Alpha particles are relatively large and positively charged, consisting of two protons and two neutrons. Due to their size and charge, they have a very limited ability to penetrate materials. In fact, a sheet of paper, the outer layer of human skin, or even clothing can block alpha radiation completely.

In contrast, other types of radiation such as beta radiation require denser materials like plastic or glass to be stopped, while gamma radiation is highly penetrating and typically requires several inches of lead, concrete, or other dense materials to shield effectively. Neutron radiation, on the other hand, tends to interact with materials differently, often requiring materials rich in hydrogen, like water or polyethylene, for adequate shielding.

Thus, the decisive reason why clothing can stop alpha radiation is the particles' limited range and energy, making them much less dangerous when they can't penetrate more than the outer layer of protection.