Alpha particles but also electrons and gamma radiations (Th 232).
Elements that emit atomic particles are typically referred to as radioactive elements. These elements undergo radioactive decay and emit particles such as alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays as they try to become more stable.
alpha particles.
Thorium 230 is an alpha emitter with half life 75,380 years. Therefore it is dangerous if ingested. Alpha particles don't penetrate the skin, so it would not be dangerous to handle carefully, but if ingested alpha particles can damage internal organs. Thorium 234 is a beta emitter with half life 24.1 days. So 230 is the more dangerous.
Hazards and Health Considerations: Thorium presents both a toxic and radiological hazard. Toxicologically, it causes heavy metal poisoning similar to lead or the uranium isotopes. Biologically, thorium accumulates in the skeletal system where it has a biological half-life of 200 years, the same as plutonium. An M 17 protective mask and standard anti-contamination clothing will adequately protect against thorium.
No, radiation can exist as electromagnetic waves (such as gamma rays or X-rays) which do not require particles to propagate. However, radioactive materials can emit particles such as alpha or beta particles along with electromagnetic radiation.
Thorium-234 don't emit alpha particles.
Thorium-238 has 90 protons and electrons and 148 neutrons.
When uranium radiates alpha particles, it transforms into thorium. Thorium is a radioactive element that is produced as a result of the decay of uranium through alpha emission.
Elements that emit atomic particles are typically referred to as radioactive elements. These elements undergo radioactive decay and emit particles such as alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays as they try to become more stable.
alpha particles.
Americium emit alpha particles and gamma radiations.
radioactive
Rocks and soil contain naturally occurring radioactive elements such as uranium, thorium, and radium. These elements undergo radioactive decay, emitting radiation in the form of alpha, beta, and gamma particles. This radiation is typically low-level and not harmful to humans in small doses.
Californium emit alpha particles and neutrons.
Thorium 230 is an alpha emitter with half life 75,380 years. Therefore it is dangerous if ingested. Alpha particles don't penetrate the skin, so it would not be dangerous to handle carefully, but if ingested alpha particles can damage internal organs. Thorium 234 is a beta emitter with half life 24.1 days. So 230 is the more dangerous.
Common compounds of thorium: thorium dioxide, thorium trifluoride, thorium tetrafluoride, thorium tetrachloride, thorium triiodide, thorium diiodide, thorium tetraiodide, thorium nitrate, thorium oxalate, thorium carbide, thorium sulfides, thorium nitride, thorium oxinate, etc.
1. The external irradiation from thorium is not so important. 2. Inhalation or ingestion of thorium is dangerous because thorium is radioactive (it is an alpha emitter) and also release radon by decay.