The radioactivity It has always been a sensitive and even mysterious topic for the majority of the population. Overshadowed by stories of mutations, cancer and toxicity, the term is often included in the spiral negativity without really delving into what it is, how it is produced and subsequently to what extent or under what conditions it is actually dangerous.
For example, did you know that properties depend a lot on type radiation (alpha, beta or gamma)? At the core of this state of ignorance is specifically alpha radiation, the ionizing radiation necessary to understand the behavior of matter.
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The alpha particles, the protagonist of this type of radiation, is nothing more than a cluster of two protons and two neutrons, essentially equivalent to the nucleus of a helium atom. This singularity is a privilege because it gives the alpha particle countless properties that make it unique and unmistakable within the study of particle physics.
From its discovery to its role in shaping the universe—probably lesser-known facts than its more negative consequences—alpha radiation offers phenomena present both in laboratories and in nature itself.
WHAT IS ALPHA RADIATION?
Thus, alpha radiation is a form of radiation that is manifested by the emission of the famous alpha particles from the nucleus unstable atom. These particles, as we have already assumed, consist of two protons and two neutrons, making them identical to the nucleus of a helium atom.
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In addition, they are mainly particles big and heavy compared to others we are used to such as electrons or photons. In fact, it is this very matter that creates these particles less penetrating in matter that other types of radiation such as beta or gamma: a sheet of paper or the outer layer of skin can stop alpha particles. That actually makes it a less dangerous form of radiation which exists in terms of external exposure.
This particle emission occurs mainly in unstable atoms. And when the core has excess energy, it usually does seek stability by releasing it in the form of subatomic particles. In the case of alpha radiation, this is equivalent to ejecting an alpha particle from the nucleus of an atom, removing two pairs of protons and neutrons from the atom, and transforming the original atom to another element.
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Intersection of different types of radiation
ORIGIN OF RADIATION
But under what conditions do these core emissions occur? Can it happen spontaneously? The causes can be man-made or natural. Some elements stand out among the latter, such as uranium and thorium – two of the most abundant in the Earth’s crust – as the primary sources of alpha radiation.
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These items usually disappear decaying spontaneously over time, emitting these particles as part of their natural decay process. Also some minerals, such as and thorite and monazitecontain significant concentrations of these elements that contribute to environmental radiation in the areas where they occur.
It has radon, REAL? Well, this rare gas has character radioactive. It is formed as a by-product of the decay of uranium and thorium in soil and rocks.
As a result, inhalation of this gas can be a source of exposure to alpha radiation in the home environment and, in large quantities, can become harmful by entering the body and hitting the tissues from the inside – which are not as toughened as the outer skin. Finally, although to a lesser extent, cosmic rays They are also a source of natural alpha radiation: they come from space and may include alpha particles among their many components.
On the other hand, artificial radiation Its biggest exponents are the nuclear industry and the waste it produces. That is, handling and production radioactive materials In industry and healthcare, they can create artificial sources of alpha radiation, i.e. radioactive isotopes, which are then used in nuclear medicine and in nuclear reactors. The waste Some of these activities may also contain radioactive materials that emit alpha radiation. For this reason, the management of this waste will be essential to prevent negative impacts on health and the environment.
