The ability of glass to stop radiation depends on the type of radiation in question. Different forms of radiation have different interactions with materials.
Visible Light: Glass is transparent to visible light, allowing it to pass through with minimal attenuation. Therefore, glass does not significantly block visible light radiation.
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: Certain types of glass, such as quartz glass or borosilicate glass, can block or absorb a significant portion of UV radiation. However, regular soda-lime glass, commonly used in windows, can transmit some UV radiation, although it does offer partial UV protection.
Infrared (IR) Radiation: Glass is generally transparent to infrared radiation, allowing it to pass through. However, certain types of specialized glass, such as heat-reflective or low-emissivity (low-e) glass, can be designed to reflect or absorb infrared radiation to some extent.
X-rays and Gamma Rays: Glass is not effective at stopping highly energetic forms of radiation like X-rays and gamma rays. These forms of radiation are highly penetrating and can pass through glass with minimal attenuation. For effective shielding against X-rays and gamma rays, denser materials like lead or concrete are typically used.
It's important to note that even though glass may allow certain types of radiation to pass through, it does provide some level of attenuation. The degree of attenuation depends on factors such as the thickness and composition of the glass, as well as the energy and intensity of the radiation. Specialized glass compositions and coatings can be used to enhance the blocking or absorption of specific types of radiation.