answersLogoWhite

0


Want this question answered?

Be notified when an answer is posted

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is an alpha particles and what stops them?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

What is an important use of the alpha particle?

The commonest use of alpha particles is probably in smoke detectors. The americium in the smoke detectors emits alpha particles. If smoke is present, it stops the alpha particles more efficiently than air, creating ions in the detection area of the device. The ions make the air more conductive, and the conductivity is sensed by the detector, which sets of the alarm. Alpha particles are also used in the radioisotope thermoelectric generators that power pacemakers and space probes.


What stops alpha decay?

Alpha decay cannot be stopped. It is an energy release process that only ends when the parent nuclide decays to zero.If you mean, however, "what stops alpha particles?", then the answer is a few inches of air, a sheet of paper, your skin, etc. This is because alpha particles are heavy, with an atomic mass number of four, and charged, with an atomic charge of +2; as a result, they interact with other matter very, very easily.Normal protection from alpha particles, say when handling new uranium-235, can be as simple as a pair of gloves. The problem with alpha particles comes when you ingest the material that creates them, placing the alpha particles in close proximity to sensitive tissues inside your body. That makes alpha particle emitting material very hazardous, if not properly contained.


Where could one locate Alpha particles?

Alpha particles are most commonly found when alpha decay occurs. An alpha particle is emitted during alpha decay. Further information about alpha particles can be found on the Wikipedia website.


How does Alpha particles affects us?

They don't, or at least, the effect is negligible. Alpha particles can be deflected with a sheet of paper.


Do the alpha particles in Rutherford's experiment contain electrons?

Alpha particles are helium-4 nuclei; they do not contain electrons.

Related questions

What is an important use of the alpha particle?

The commonest use of alpha particles is probably in smoke detectors. The americium in the smoke detectors emits alpha particles. If smoke is present, it stops the alpha particles more efficiently than air, creating ions in the detection area of the device. The ions make the air more conductive, and the conductivity is sensed by the detector, which sets of the alarm. Alpha particles are also used in the radioisotope thermoelectric generators that power pacemakers and space probes.


What stops alpha decay?

Alpha decay cannot be stopped. It is an energy release process that only ends when the parent nuclide decays to zero.If you mean, however, "what stops alpha particles?", then the answer is a few inches of air, a sheet of paper, your skin, etc. This is because alpha particles are heavy, with an atomic mass number of four, and charged, with an atomic charge of +2; as a result, they interact with other matter very, very easily.Normal protection from alpha particles, say when handling new uranium-235, can be as simple as a pair of gloves. The problem with alpha particles comes when you ingest the material that creates them, placing the alpha particles in close proximity to sensitive tissues inside your body. That makes alpha particle emitting material very hazardous, if not properly contained.


What effect does humidity have on alpha particles?

Alpha particles can be absorbed by water.


Where could one locate Alpha particles?

Alpha particles are most commonly found when alpha decay occurs. An alpha particle is emitted during alpha decay. Further information about alpha particles can be found on the Wikipedia website.


What gives off alpha particles?

Alpha particles are a type of particle of radiation that is emmited by certain radioactive materials. The materials that give off Alpha particles are called ''Alpha emitters.''


What is the range of beta particles in air as compare to alpha particles?

What is the range of beta particles in air as compare to alpha particles?Read more: What_is_the_range_of_beta_particles_in_air_as_compare_to_alpha_particles


Name the nuclear radiation that can be easily stopped by skin or cloths?

alpha particles.


If the mixture of electrically neutral how many more beta particles than alpha particles are in the balloon?

alpha particles would have twice as many beta particles


Why were few alpha particles deflected?

some of alpha particles were deflected through an angle of 90 degree


What particles can thorium emit?

Alpha particles but also electrons and gamma radiations (Th 232).


Alpha particles and beta particles differ in?

Alpha particles are positively charged helium nuclei while beta particle are negatively charged electrons . Alpha particle have 4u mass while beta particles have zero mass.


What is Alpha radiation stopped by?

Alpha particles are the strongest of the three known types of radiation (alpha, beta, & gamma). Although the strongest, the alpha particles are the least penetrating.They do not tend to penetrate any substance.A well-known example is your skin. Alpha particles do not penetrate your skin barrier. However, alpha particles energy is high and is a cause of skin cancer and genetic mutations.