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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.

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14y ago
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15y ago

what are the uses of Alpha radiation?

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Q: What is an important use of the alpha particle?
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Related questions

What is a subatomic particle with two neutrons that is emitted during some types of radioactive decay called?

This would be the alpha particle. An alpha particle has two neutrons and two protons, and it's actually a helium-4 nucleus. That's why we write this particle like this: 42He or He+2 Use the links below for more information.


How manyneutrons are in an alpha particle?

There are 2 neutron in an alpha particle.


Which has the largest mass alpha particle gamma ray positron or beta particle?

The alpha particle is much more massive than a beta particle. A beta particle is an electron, which has very little mass. An alpha particle is a helium nucleus, and consists of two protons and two neutrons.


Which of these masses is the largest alpha particle antineutrino gamma radiation beta particle?

Alpha Particle


The nucleus of a helium atom is called?

The nucleus of a helium atom is called an alpha particle. The electromagnetic waves emitted by a nucleus are called gamma rays.


Is alpha particle non fundamental?

Yes, the alpha particle is nonfundamental.


Is alpha wave or particle?

Alpha is a particle not a wave. Alpha particle are positively charged helium nuclei and have a +2 charge and 4u mass.


Are alpha particle negative or positive?

An alpha particle is a helium nucleus; it has a charge of +2.


What are the characteristics of an alpha particle?

An alpha particle has the charge 2+ and the mass 4.


How do the mass and size of an alpha particle compare with mass and size of beta particle?

The mass and size of an alpha particle compare with the masa and size of beta particle in the sense that the alpha particle is significantly larger in both size and mass that the beta and gamma particles. This is why it is called the alpha particle.


Particle with two protons and two neutrons ejected during decay?

An alpha particle. It is also a helium nucleus and has a charge of +2e. The ejection of an alpha particle occurs whenever the electromagnetic force overcomes the strong force in a nucleus and needs to rid itself of excess charge. The reason that a single proton is not simply ejected has to do with the stability of the alpha particle itself which is generated by the strong force. If there were more protons in an alpha particle, it would not hold together properly. It cannot have more neutrons because it simply wouldn't be ejected because of strong force.


Is an alpha particle is identical to the nucleus of a?

An alpha particle is identical to the nucleus of Helium atom