Alpha Decay
What is it?
type of radioactive disintegration in which some unstable atomic nuclei dissipate excess energy by spontaneously ejecting an alpha particle.
Example Equation:
How does the atom’s mass change?
the mass number is reduced by four and the atomic number is reduced by two.
How far can it travel in air?
In air, their travel distances are limited to approximately an inch
How can it be stopped?
Alpha particles cannot penetrate most matter. A piece of paper or the outer layers of skin is sufficient to stop alpha particles.
Why is it dangerous?
If alpha-emitters are inhaled, swallowed, or get into the body through a cut, the alpha particles can damage sensitive living tissue.
How is it useful?
Alpha decay found application in smoke detectors.
It is used in artificial heart pacemakers.
Alpha decay provides high-energy radiation that kills chronic cancerous cells.