Alpha particle

Alpha ParticleAn alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, identical to a helium nucleus. It is a type of ionizing radiation, emitted during the radioactive decay of certain heavy elements (e.g., uranium, radium). This process is known as alpha decay and occurs when an unstable nucleus loses energy by emitting an alpha particle.

Alpha particles have low penetration power; they can be stopped by a sheet of paper or human skin. This makes them relatively safe to handle externally. However, they can cause significant damage to living tissues if ingested or inhaled, owing to their charge and mass. When they interact with biological tissues, they can disrupt molecular structures and damage DNA, potentially leading to cancer. Although their range in air is limited to a few centimeters, their high energy can cause considerable harm at close range. Alpha particles are often detected using methods like scintillation counters or semiconductor detectors.