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Exploring the power of alpha particles: Why can they trigger such intense radiation?
Alpha particles, also known as alpha rays or alpha radiation, are basically particles composed of two protons and two neutrons, and their shape is exactly the same as the nucleus of helium-4. These particles are usually produced during alpha decay, but can also be obtained by other means. The name comes from the first letter of the Greek alphabet, "alpha", whose symbol is α or α2+. Because they are identical to helium nuclei, they are often written as He2+ or 42He2+, representing helium ions with a charge of +2 (missing two electrons). When this ion gains an electron from its environment, the alpha particle becomes a normal (electrically neutral) helium atom 42He. The alpha particle has a net spin of 0.
Alpha particles are considered to be very strongly charged particles with incredible energy that can cause strong radiation.
In standard alpha radioactive decay, the alpha particle typically has a kinetic energy of about 5 MeV and travels at about 4% the speed of light. Although they are a highly ionizing particle radiation, their penetration depth is low (only a few centimeters in air or blocked by the skin). However, the long-range alpha particles from ternary fission have three times the energy and penetrate three times deeper. The approximately 10%-12% of cosmic rays that form helium nuclei generally have higher energy than helium nuclei produced through nuclear decay processes, and therefore may have higher penetration, able to pass through the human body and several meters of dense shielding. material, which depends on its energy. This also applies to some extent to high-energy helium nuclei produced by particle accelerators.
Remembering the past and present of the alpha particle
The term alpha particle was first coined by Ernest Rutherford when he reported on the properties of uranium radiation and found that the radiation exhibited two different characteristics. The long history of exploration has given scientists a clearer understanding of the nature of alpha particles. The most famous source of alpha particles is the alpha decay process of heavy elements. When an atom emits an alpha particle in alpha decay, the mass number of the atom decreases by four due to the loss of four nucleons in the particle.
Alpha decay is a form of nuclear transformation, which changes the atomic number and mass of an atom.
The main source of alpha particles is the alpha decay of heavy elements, such as the decay of radioactive nuclides such as uranium, uranium and barium. Through further experiments and research, scientists found that alpha particles can lose their positive charge and gain electrons from the surrounding environment, eventually becoming neutral helium atoms. The energy change and absorption properties make alpha particles play an important role in nuclear physics.
Energy and biological effects of alpha particles
What is fascinating about the alpha particle's kinetic and absorption properties is the energy released during its alpha decay. The typical kinetic energy of an alpha particle is 5 MeV, a considerable amount for a single particle. Although their greater mass makes them slower than other common types of radiation, their strong absorption properties make them extremely short-ranged, able to penetrate the skin for only about 40 microns, so they are not a significant threat to life under normal circumstances. .
Although alpha particles do not pose a great threat to life under normal circumstances, they can cause severe radiation damage when they enter the body.
However, once alpha radionuclides enter the body, either through inhalation, ingestion, or injection, these alpha particles become extremely destructive radioactive substances. Studies have shown that alpha particles cause 10 to 1000 times more chromosomal damage than the same amount of gamma or beta radiation, which shows their potential risks to human health.
Application prospects of alpha particles
With the advancement of science and technology, alpha particles have been widely used in various technical fields. For example, some smoke detectors contain trace amounts of alpha emitters to improve detection capabilities. In cancer treatment, alpha-emitted radioactive isotopes are also used to target specific tumors, demonstrating their important potential in medicine and biological sciences.
Alpha-radioisotopes are providing possible solutions for precision treatment of cancer in humans.
You know, although alpha particles have strong radiation capabilities, their characteristics also make it possible to develop safe and controllable applications. What kind of progress will finding new materials and new methods to manage and utilize this powerful particle bring to scientific research? We need to think deeply and explore more possibilities.
