Alpha particles are a type of ionizing radiation, consisting of two neutrons and two protons with no electrons. They have low penetration but high destructive power and are emitted by radioactive substances. Alpha decay is mediated by the strong force and quantum tunneling. Alpha emitters include polonium, radium, radon gas, and uranium, and can cause chromosomal mutations. They are stopped by human skin but can be dangerous if ingested.
The alpha particle is a type of ionizing radiation. With its partners gamma particles and beta particles, alpha particles are one of the most widespread forms of radiation. Each particle is essentially a helium nucleus, which consists of two neutrons and two protons, with no electrons, which give it a net positive charge. Because of their relatively high mass, these particles are the most destructive form of ionizing radiation, but the trade-off is that their penetration is low. A piece of paper blocks alpha particles, while lighter beta particles require an aluminum barrier.
Alpha particles are emitted by various radioactive substances. Unlike beta decay, alpha decay is mediated by the strong force. According to Newton’s classical laws, the attraction of the nucleus should be too strong to allow alpha particles to leave it under any circumstances. However, quantum tunneling still allows it. Quantum tunneling is the instantaneous teleportation of the particle to a location outside the nucleus.
Because alpha particles have such a low penetrating force, they are stopped by human skin, posing little danger unless the source is ingested. Such was the sad fate of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko, believed to be the first person to die of acute radiation poisoning following ingestion of the alpha emitter polonium. Other known alpha emitters include americium (found in smoke detectors), radium, radon gas, and uranium. When coupled with some other radioactive substances, alpha emitters can agitate neutron emitters to release neutrons. Neutron emission is a key part of the design of nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons.
In investigations into the health effects of smoking, tobacco leaves were found to contain small amounts of polonium, which emits alpha particles. It is theorized that this could be partially responsible for lung cancer among smokers. In evolution, alpha emitters play a vital role: they are more than 100 times more likely to cause a chromosomal mutation than other types of radiation. More often than not, this produces less fit mutants, but when combined with selection over thousands or millions of years it results in adaptive biological designs.
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