What percentage of a 50-kVp beam is attenuated by a 0.5-mm apron?

To determine the percentage of attenuation of a 50-kVp beam by a 0.5-mm lead apron, it's important to understand how lead aprons work in the context of radiation protection. At this energy level (50 kVp), lead is particularly effective at absorbing and scattering x-rays due to its high atomic number, which enhances its ability to attenuate radiation.

A 0.5-mm lead apron has been shown in studies to effectively attenuate a significant portion of x-ray radiation at this energy level, often reported to be around 99%. This high percentage reflects the ability of relatively thin lead layers to provide substantial protection against lower energy x-ray beams.

In practical application, this means that healthcare professionals or patients wearing a 0.5-mm lead apron would experience nearly complete shielding from the radiation being emitted, significantly reducing potential exposure. Therefore, the correct answer aligns with the established data regarding the attenuation characteristics of lead aprons at 50 kVp.