alfapartikler

Alfapartikler, also known as alpha particles, are helium-4 nuclei produced in certain radioactive decays. Each particle contains two protons and two neutrons, giving it a mass of about four atomic mass units and a positive electric charge of +2e. In energetic terms, alpha particles are relatively heavy and travel only short distances compared with other radiation.

Alfa parçacıkları are highly ionizing due to their large charge and mass, but they have very limited penetration. They can be stopped by a sheet of paper or even by the outer layer of human skin, and in air they travel only a few centimeters. In biological tissue their range is on the order of tens of micrometers, so external exposure is typically harmless, while ingestion or inhalation can cause significant damage because of dense ionization along their short tracks.

Natural sources of alpha radiation arise from alpha decay in heavy nuclei, including uranium-238, uranium-235, thorium-232, radium-226, and radon-222. Alpha particles are also produced in certain laboratory and industrial processes. The concept of alpha radiation was established in the late 19th century by Ernest Rutherford, who distinguished alpha, beta, and gamma radiation through scattering experiments.

Applications and safety considerations are central to Alfapartikler. They are used in smoke detectors via sealed alpha sources (such as americium-241) and in calibration of instruments. In medicine, targeted alpha therapy employs alpha emitters to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. Protection against alpha radiation relies on shielding and containment; external exposure is largely mitigated by modest barriers, but internal contamination requires strict handling and containment procedures.