Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay where an alpha particle is emitted from a heavy element to become more stable. The strong nuclear force holds the nucleus together, but in large nuclei, particles may be ejected, causing radioactivity. Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons and can be stopped by paper or air. Ingesting alpha-emitting items can cause serious harm, and alpha decay has been used in high-profile poisonings.
Alpha decay is a form of radioactive decay in which an alpha particle is emitted from a heavy element in an attempt to become more stable. The other types of radioactive decay are beta decay and gamma decay. Particle detectors can be used to detect the emission of alpha particles, and the alpha decay process can also be used to build detection devices. Some fire detectors, for example, rely on the constant alpha decay rate to ionize the air, which in turn can detect smoke when smoke particles interfere with the conductivity of the ionized air.
The components of a nucleus are made up of protons and neutrons orbited by a group of electrons. Under normal conditions, these particles would oppose each other, causing the nucleus to fall apart, and this is where something known as the strong nuclear force comes into play. The strong nuclear force holds the nucleus together, preventing particles from being ejected. However, while this force is strong, it is narrow in range and, in the case of a large nucleus, may not be able to contain all the particles. As a result, the atom becomes unstable and starts emitting particles, in a process known as radioactivity.
In the case of alpha decay, the particle consists of two protons and two neutrons tightly bound together. This particle appears to be identical in structure to the nucleus of a helium atom, and much of Earth’s helium supply actually comes from alpha decay. When the alpha particle leaves the atom, taking protons and neutrons with it, the atomic number changes and the atom becomes a new, more stable element. The mass loss is converted into a small burst of energy.
Alpha particles are extremely weak. They can be stopped with a piece of paper or even a small pocket of air, making alpha decay relatively non-threatening to the people working on it. However, if an item that emits alpha particles is ingested, it can cause a serious problem. Radon gas, for example, can be inhaled into the lungs, where the alpha particles emitted by the gas can cause serious damage to the delicate cells lining the lungs.
The toxicity of alpha decay within the body has been suspected in several high-profile poisonings. By introducing elements that emit alpha particles into food, a poisoner can successfully kill someone without causing harm to people in their surroundings. Death by alpha decay appears to be particularly popular with Russian spies, although other clandestine agents have been known to employ it on occasion.
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