Post #2594068
2026-05-12 20:11 UTC
The beta emission of ⁶⁰Co can probably get through [over 6mm of glass](https://sciencedemonstrations.fas.harvard.edu/presentations/%CE%B1-%CE%B2-%CE%B3-penetration-and-shielding). This should be plenty for phones.
But also
> ⁶⁰Co undergoes beta decay to an excited state of the stable isotope nickel-60 (⁶⁰Ni), which then emits two gamma rays [...]
Replies (1)
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@Tar_alcaran@sh.itjust.works 2026-05-14 09:55
Even if it got blocked, there's a fair bit of metal in a phone which will produce Bremsstrahlung under beta radiation. Obviously that's only going to hit your face, not the sensor.