Alpha radiation

Alpha radiation is a type of particle radiation emitted by certain radioactive materials. It consists of clumps of two protons and two neutrons—essentially the nucleus of a helium atom. Because alpha particles are relatively heavy and carry a positive charge, they can be stopped by a sheet of paper or even the outer layer of human skin. While they are not dangerous externally, they can be harmful if ingested or inhaled, as they can damage internal tissues and cells. Understanding alpha radiation is important in fields like nuclear science, medicine, and safety.