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Alpha particles are dangerous because they are a form of ionizing radiation. Alpha decay is one form or radioactive decay, and an alpha particle is a helium-4 nucleus. It's a form of particulate radiation, and it will ionize the heck out of things like biochemical material.
Alpha particles have little penetrating power, so the danger from them appears if we inhale or ingest something that has a radioisotope in it that decays by alpha emission. Once inside us, a radioactive substance that decays this way will emit the alpha particle, and the particle will exit the nucleus of the atom with a lot of kinetic energy. The alpha particle will break chemical bonds doing tissue damage all the way along its path of travel until it slows and stops. It's path of travel will be short, but the damage is massive.
What is arguably the best known example of a substance that decays this way is radium. Radium occurs naturally in the ground. It is radium-226 that undergoes alpha decay to become radon-222, and radon-222 undergoes alpha decay to become polonium-218.
The problem is that radon is an inert or noble gas, and as it appears out of the ground, it can collect in low places in structures (like houses) that have little to no air circulation. Occupants of the dwelling can breath in radon gas, and it can undergo that alpha decay in the lungs. This is bad because a lot of tissue damage can (will!) result. What's worse, polonium-218, the daughter product of radon, is also radioactive, and is also an alpha emitter. More tissue damage is in store. Further, there are several more steps in the decay chain that will occur before a stable isotope of lead-206. Radon poisoning is an underrated cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Links can be found below for more information.
What else can I help you with?
What is the alpha decay of calcium 42 equation?
There is no equation. Calcium-42 is stable and does not decay. Calcium is also much to light for alpha decay, which requires elements heavier than nickel, so no isotope of calcium undergoes alpha decay.
Does alpha decay always decreases the number of protons by an even number?
Yes, an alpha radiation particle is 2 protons and 2 neutrons so for every alpha particle emitted the radioactive nuclide loses 2 protons.
The least energetic of the forms of radioactive decay is ______?
alpha decay
Which two elements undergo alpha decay?
The two elements that undergo alpha decay are uranium and thorium.
What is the nuclear equation for the alpha decay of 242 Pu?
The nuclear equation for the alpha decay of 242Pu is: ^24294Pu -> ^23892U + ^4He2 This equation shows that the nucleus of 242Pu decays into a nucleus of 238U and an alpha particle, which is a helium-4 nucleus.
Does alpha decay naturally?
Yes, alpha decay occurs naturally, that is why radioactive material is dangerous, because we can't simply "turn off" the radioactive decay.
What type of decay is involved when polonium -214 decays into lead -210?
Alpha decay is involved when polonium-214 decays into lead-210. In alpha decay, an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons) is emitted from the nucleus, reducing the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.
When one neptunium isotope undergoes an alpha decay what does it become?
Npn decays to Pan-4 and alpha. Only isotopes 234, 235, and 237 of neptunium can undergo alpha decay, the others decay by beta-, beta+, K capture, and/or gamma decay. So the only products of neptunium alpha decay can be protactinium isotopes 230, 231, or 233.
Radioactive decay is the most dangerous?
There are three types: Beta decay, alpha decay, and gamma decay/gamma rays. They are all dangerous if exposed to a high amount of radioactive matter. When the radioactive isotope undergoes beta, alpha, and gamma decay, there is an emission of a beta particle, alpha particle, and gamma ray (respectively). In highly radioactive matter, there are often trillions of radioactive isotopes that emit these particles and/or rays - and they are very high-energy once emitted. However, they are only dangerous when exposed to a high amount.
Is alpha decay the same as alpha radiation?
No. Decay is the process, radiation is the product.
What is the alpha decay of calcium 42 equation?
There is no equation. Calcium-42 is stable and does not decay. Calcium is also much to light for alpha decay, which requires elements heavier than nickel, so no isotope of calcium undergoes alpha decay.
Order gamma decay beta decay and alpha deacy form weakest to strongest?
From weakest to strongest decay, the order is: Gamma decay - involves the emission of high-energy photons. Beta decay - involves the emission of beta particles (electrons or positrons). Alpha decay - involves the emission of alpha particles (helium nuclei).
What is the type of radioactive decay in which positive particles are given off?
Alpha decay is the type of radioactive decay in which positive particles, specifically alpha particles, are emitted. These alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons bound together, giving them a positive charge.
What is most dangerous alpha decay beta decay gamma decay?
Gamma decay is generally considered the most dangerous because it involves high-energy electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate deep into the body and cause damage at a cellular level. Alpha and beta decay are less penetrating and therefore less dangerous, as they are typically stopped by the outer layers of skin or protective clothing.
What type of decay is 235 92U---4 2 He plus 231 90Th?
The type of decay for this process is alpha decay. In alpha decay, a heavy nucleus emits an alpha particle (helium-4 nucleus) to transform into a new element with a lower atomic number.
Alpha and beta decay emit what?
Alpha decay emits an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. Beta decay emits either an electron (beta minus decay) or a positron (beta plus decay).
What is the heaviest of the forms of radioactive decay is?
I'm pretty sure its alpha.
