Alpha Particles Flashcards
What are alpha particles made of?
Alpha particles are groups of two protons and two neutrons stuck together
What charge is carried by alpha particles?
Alpha particles carry a double positive charge
What are alpha particles emitted from?
They are emitted from the unstable nucleus of a radioactive element
At what speed do alpha particles travel?
They travel relatively slow
Why do alpha particles travel relatively slow?
As they have a relatively large mass
What type of penetrating power do alpha particles have?
They have a low penetrating power
What materials stop alpha particles from traveling?
A sheet of paper or a few centimetres of air
What is an example of a radioactive element that emits alpha particles?
Americum-241
What is americum-241?
One of the isotopes of Americum (element number 95) which is used in smoke detectors
In what cases are alpha particles dangerous to humans?
If alpha particles are inhaled or ingested they damage the liver, lungs and kidneys and give rise to cancer
