Alpha Particles

These are the biggest and heaviest form of radiation. They are made of four particles: two protons and two neutrons:

Since there are two protons present, alpha particles have a 2+ charge. This makes it easy for them to interact with matter. So does their size.

They are easily stopped by most things - paper, or a few centimetres of air would be enough.

Sometimes we say that the alpha particle is a helium nucleus, as it is exactly the same thing.

Radioactivity Menu

Go to next page