Alfapositioiden

Alfapositioiden, also known as alpha particles, are a type of particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, making them identical to the nucleus of a helium-4 atom. They are emitted during certain types of radioactive decay, specifically alpha decay, where an unstable atomic nucleus expels an alpha particle to become more stable. Alpha particles have a relatively large mass and a positive charge, which makes them highly ionizing and capable of traveling only a short distance in air before losing their energy. Due to their large mass and charge, alpha particles are not very penetrating and can be stopped by a sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air. This property makes them useful in certain applications, such as smoke detectors, where a small amount of radioactive material is used to ionize the air and complete an electrical circuit. However, their short range also makes them less hazardous for external exposure compared to other types of radiation. In medical applications, alpha particles are used in targeted alpha therapy for treating certain types of cancer, where they are directed to specific cells to destroy them. Despite their potential benefits, the use of alpha particles requires careful handling and regulation due to their radioactive nature.