Ionizing radiation alpha particles

Ionizing radiation Alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma photons, which are all able to strip electrons from atoms as they move through matter, leaving ions in their wake. 

Describe the origin and characteristics of the following forms of ionizing radiation Alpha particles Beta particles Gamma rays X-rays... 

Alpha Particles Alpha particles have the same structure as the nuclei of helium atoms two protons and two neutrons. Relative to other forms of ionizing radiation, alpha particles are large. They have little penetrating power. A piece of paper or the outer layer of skin can stop them. 

Of the types of ionizing radiation, alpha particles are the least penetrating—paper and skin will ordinarily stop alpha particles. 

Radionuclides differ from other nuclei in that they emit ionizing radiation—alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. The most massive of these emissions is the alpha particle, a helium nucleus of atomic mass 4, consisting of two neutrons and two protons. The symbol for an alpha particle is shown as the product of Reaction 4.10. An example of alpha production is found in the radioactive decay of uranium-238 ... 

Ionizing Radiation Alpha (a, helium nuclei), 4-9 MeV P /c beam (P particles or accelerated electrons), velocity less than the velocity of light, energy 10 keV-10 MeV (positrons P+ belong to the same range)... 

Ionizing radiation has always been a mystery to most people. Actually, much more is known about ionizing radiation than the hazardous chemicals that constantly bombard the workplace. After all, there are only four types of radiation (alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and neutrons) rather than thousands of chemicals. There are instruments that can detect each type of radiation and provide an accurate dose-received value. This is not so for chemicals, where the best that we could hope for in a real-time situation is a detection of the presence of a chanical and not what the chemical is. With radiation detection instruments the boundaries of contamination can be detected and set, while detecting such boundaries for chemicals is near to impossible except for a solid. 

Radioactivity—All the heavier elements (Z > 83) and a few of the lighter ones have naturally occurring nuclides that produce ionizing radiation. Alpha (a) particles emanating from radioactive nuclei are identical to the nuclei of helium-4 atoms, Beta (/5 )... 

The numerical combination of protons and neutrons in most nuclides is such that the nucleus is quantum mechanically stable and the atom is said to be stable, i.e., not radioactive however, if there are too few or too many neutrons, the nucleus is unstable and the atom is said to be radioactive. Unstable nuclides undergo radioactive transformation, a process in which a neutron or proton converts into the other and a beta particle is emitted, or else an alpha particle is emitted. Each type of decay is typically accompanied by the emission of gamma rays. These unstable atoms are called radionuclides their emissions are called ionizing radiation and the whole property is called radioactivity. Transformation or decay results in the formation of new nuclides some of which may themselves be radionuclides, while others are stable nuclides. This series of transformations is called the decay chain of the radionuclide. The first radionuclide in the chain is called the parent the subsequent products of the transformation are called progeny, daughters, or decay products. 

It has been reported for many years that condensation nuclei can be produced by ionizing radiation. Recent studies have improved the measurement of the activity size distribution of these ultrafine particles produced by radon and its daughters (Reineking, et al., 1985 Knutson, et al., 1985). It seems that the Po-218 ion is formed by the radon decay, is neutralized within a few tens of milliseconds, and then attached to an ultrafine particle formed by the radiolysis generated by the polonium ion recoil. Although there will be radiolysis along the alpha track, those reactions will be very far away (several centimeters) from the polonium nucleus when it reaches thermal velocity. The recoil path radiolysis therefore seems to be the more likely source of the ultrafine particles near enough to the polonium atom to rapidly incorporate it. 

Gamma radiation has a very high penetrating power. A small fraction of the original stream will pass through several feet of concrete or several meters of air. The specific ionization of a gamma is low compared to that of an alpha particle, but is higher than that of a beta particle. 

Radiation (ionizing) Alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, x-rays, and other particles capable of producing ions does not include nonionizing radiation forms such as radio waves, microwaves, or visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light. 

Alpha particles are relatively large particles and are emitted with a limited number of energy levels. They carry a double positive charge and as a result attract electrons from the atoms of the material through which they pass, causing ionization effects. They have an extremely short range, even in air, and as a result present very little hazard as an external source of radiation but their effects within living cells or tissues can be serious. 

X-rays, or gamma rays generated by nuclear decay. Ionizing radiation also includes several types of subatomic particles, such as beta radiation (high-energy electrons) and alpha radiation (helium ions) and others. Medical X-rays are an example of a common beneficial exposure to ionizing radiation. Nuclear radiation is used to generate electricity and cure disease, but is also an important element in military weapons. Uses of nuclear radiation pose serious issues of human exposure and environmental contamination. 

Ionizing radiation is divided into alpha and beta particles and gamma rays. Each has its unique characteristics, which require different safety approaches. In general, the more radiation exposure a person receives, the greater the likelihood of cancer. 

As with other radioactive substances, exposure to its ionizing radiation can cause cancer. When ingested it tends to accumulate in the liver, kidney, and spleen causing radiation damage from the alpha particles. All operations and handling must be carried out in leak-proof boxes by mechanical means behind thick neutron shields. 

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