Alpha Particle - Revision history

NRJC: /* Key Stage 5 */

2024-05-19T10:45:31Z

‎Key Stage 5

NRJC at 10:44, 19 May 2024

2024-05-19T10:44:18Z

NRJC: /* Key Stage 5 */

2024-05-19T08:58:28Z

‎Key Stage 5

NRJC: /* Examples */

2024-05-19T08:58:11Z

‎Examples

NRJC: /* About Alpha Radiation */

2024-05-19T08:58:02Z

‎About Alpha Radiation

NRJC: /* Meaning */

2024-05-19T08:57:50Z

‎Meaning

NRJC at 08:57, 19 May 2024

2024-05-19T08:57:17Z

NRJC at 18:04, 23 January 2021

2021-01-23T18:04:25Z

NRJC at 18:02, 23 January 2021

2021-01-23T18:02:35Z

NRJC: /* Equation */

2019-12-02T20:25:47Z

‎Equation

@@ Line 160: / Line 160: @@
 *[[Alpha Particle|Alpha radiation]] has a high ionizing power, causing significant damage to living cells.
 *Because of their high [[mass]] and charge, [[Alpha Particle|alpha particles]] have a short range in air (a few centimeters).
-*[[Alpha Particle|Alpha radiation]] is used in [[radiation therapy]] for treating certain cancers.
+*[[Alpha Particle|Alpha radiation]] is used in [[Radiation Therapy|radiation therapy]] for treating certain cancers.
-*It is also used in [[smoke detectors]] and in some types of [[radioactive]] power sources (radioisotope thermoelectric generators).
+*It is also used in [[Smoke Detector|smoke detectors]] and in some types of [[radioactive]] power sources (radioisotope thermoelectric generators).
 ===Examples===

@@ Line 148: / Line 148: @@
 :[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1782945695/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1782945695&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=ceafcc80bcad6b6754ee97a0c7ceea53 ''Alpha radiation, pages 197, 198, 200, Gateway GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, OCR  '']
 :[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1782945687/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1782945687&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=9a598e52189317a20311d7a632747bc9 ''Alpha radiation, pages 74-76, 78, 79, Gateway GCSE Physics; The Revision Guide, CGP, OCR  '']
 ==Key Stage 5==
@@ Line 272: / Line 158: @@
 *They can be stopped by a sheet of paper or human skin.
 *Poses a health risk if alpha-emitting substances are inhaled or ingested.
 ===Examples===

@@ Line 269: / Line 269: @@
 ===About Alpha Radiation===
-[[Alpha Particle|Alpha particles]] are [[helium]] [[nucleus|nuclei]].
+*[[Alpha Particle|Alpha particles]] are [[helium]] [[nucleus|nuclei]].
-They can be stopped by a sheet of paper or human skin.
+*They can be stopped by a sheet of paper or human skin.
-Poses a health risk if alpha-emitting substances are inhaled or ingested.
+*Poses a health risk if alpha-emitting substances are inhaled or ingested.
 ===Examples===
-[[Polonium]]-210 emits [[Alpha Particle|alpha particles]] and is highly [[toxic]] if ingested.
+*[[Polonium]]-210 emits [[Alpha Particle|alpha particles]] and is highly [[toxic]] if ingested.
-[[Alpha Particle|Alpha radiation]] is used in some types of smoke detectors.
+*[[Alpha Particle|Alpha radiation]] is used in some types of smoke detectors.

@@ Line 275: / Line 275: @@
 ===Examples===
-[[Polonium]]-210 emits [[alpha particles]] and is highly [[toxic]] if ingested.
+[[Polonium]]-210 emits [[Alpha Particle|alpha particles]] and is highly [[toxic]] if ingested.
-[[Alpha radiation]] is used in some types of smoke detectors.
+[[Alpha Particle|Alpha radiation]] is used in some types of smoke detectors.

@@ Line 269: / Line 269: @@
 ===About Alpha Radiation===
-[[Alpha particles]] are [[helium]] [[nucleus|nuclei]].
+[[Alpha Particle|Alpha particles]] are [[helium]] [[nucleus|nuclei]].
 They can be stopped by a sheet of paper or human skin.
 Poses a health risk if alpha-emitting substances are inhaled or ingested.
 ===Examples===
 [[Polonium]]-210 emits [[alpha particles]] and is highly [[toxic]] if ingested.
 [[Alpha radiation]] is used in some types of smoke detectors.

@@ Line 265: / Line 265: @@
 ==Key Stage 5==
 ===Meaning===
-[[Alpha radiation]] consists of [[alpha particles]] emitted by certain [[radioactive]] materials, each composed of two [[proton]]s and two [[neutron]]s.
+[[Alpha Particle|Alpha radiation]] consists of [[Alpha Particle|alpha particles]] emitted by certain [[radioactive]] materials, each composed of two [[proton]]s and two [[neutron]]s.
 ===About Alpha Radiation===

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:57, 19 May 2024
Line 262:		Line 262:
	<math>{}_{88}^{226}Ra</math>		<math>{}_{88}^{226}Ra</math>
	\|}		\|}
		+
		+	==Key Stage 5==
		+	===Meaning===
		+	[[Alpha radiation]] consists of [[alpha particles]] emitted by certain [[radioactive]] materials, each composed of two [[proton]]s and two [[neutron]]s.
		+
		+	===About Alpha Radiation===
		+
		+	[[Alpha particles]] are [[helium]] [[nucleus\|nuclei]].
		+	They can be stopped by a sheet of paper or human skin.
		+	Poses a health risk if alpha-emitting substances are inhaled or ingested.
		+	===Examples===
		+
		+	[[Polonium]]-210 emits [[alpha particles]] and is highly [[toxic]] if ingested.
		+	[[Alpha radiation]] is used in some types of smoke detectors.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:04, 23 January 2021
Line 148:		Line 148:
	:[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1782945695/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1782945695&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=ceafcc80bcad6b6754ee97a0c7ceea53 ''Alpha radiation, pages 197, 198, 200, Gateway GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, OCR '']		:[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1782945695/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1782945695&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=ceafcc80bcad6b6754ee97a0c7ceea53 ''Alpha radiation, pages 197, 198, 200, Gateway GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, OCR '']
	:[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1782945687/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1782945687&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=9a598e52189317a20311d7a632747bc9 ''Alpha radiation, pages 74-76, 78, 79, Gateway GCSE Physics; The Revision Guide, CGP, OCR '']		:[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1782945687/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1782945687&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=9a598e52189317a20311d7a632747bc9 ''Alpha radiation, pages 74-76, 78, 79, Gateway GCSE Physics; The Revision Guide, CGP, OCR '']
		+
		+	==Key Stage 5==
		+	===Meaning===
		+	An '''alpha particle''' ('''α-particle''') is a type of [[Ionising Radiation\|ionising radiation]] made of 2 [[proton]]s and 2 [[neutron]]s [[emit]]ted from the [[Atomic Nucleus\|nucleus]] of an [[Unstable Isotope\|unstable isotope]].
		+
		+	===About Alpha Particles===
		+	: '''Alpha particles''' may also be referred to as '''alpha radiation''' and is written with the symbol '''α'''.
		+	: '''Alpha particles''' are a [[Helium]] [[Atomic Nucleus\|nucleus]].
		+	: '''Alpha particles''' have a [[Relative Atomic Mass\|relative atomic mass]] of 4 and [[Relative Atomic Charge\|relative charge]] of +2.
		+	: '''Alpha particles''' are [[emit]]ted when a [[Atomic Nucleus\|nucleus]] is too large or the [[ratio]] of [[proton]]s to [[neutron]]s is too large.
		+	: '''Alpha particles''' are [[emit]]ted rather than single [[proton]]s or [[neutron]]s because the [[Helium]] [[Atomic Nucleus\|nucleus]] is extremely [[Stable Isotope\|stable]].
		+
		+	====Charge and Mass====
		+	{\| class="wikitable"
		+	\|-
		+	\|[[File:AlphaParticleCharge.png\|center\|200px]]
		+	\| style="height:20px; width:400px; text-align:left;" \|Scientist were able to determine the [[Electrical Charge\|charge]] and [[mass]] of an [[Alpha Particle\|α-particle]] by sending it between two [[Electrical Charge\|electrically charged]] plates and observing its path.
		+
		+	The '''α-particle''' moves towards the [[Negative Charge\|negative]] plate, so it must be [[Positive Charge\|positively charged]]. The rate of curvature depends on the [[mass]]:[[Electrical Charge\|charge]] [[ratio]] which indicates it has a [[Relative Atomic Mass\|relative atomic mass]] of 4 and [[Relative Atomic Charge\|relative charge]] of +2.
		+	\|}
		+
		+	====Penetration Depth====
		+	{\| class="wikitable"
		+	\|-
		+	\|[[File:AlphaPenetrationAir.png\|center\|200px]]
		+	\| style="height:20px; width:400px; text-align:left;" \|[[Alpha Particle\|Alpha particles]] can travel around 15cm through [[air]] ([[STP]]) before [[colliding]] with and [[ionising]] [[atom]]s or [[molecule]]s.
		+	\|}
		+
		+	{\| class="wikitable"
		+	\|-
		+	\|[[File:AlphaPenetration.png\|center\|200px]]
		+	\| style="height:20px; width:400px; text-align:left;" \|[[Alpha Particle\|Alpha particles]] can be stopped by a thin sheet of paper.
		+	\|}
		+
		+	====Ionising Potential====
		+	: With a [[Electrical Charge\|charge]] of +2, '''α-particles''' are the most [[Ionising Radiation\|ionising]] of the three [[Ionising Radiation\|ionising radiations]]. It is capable of removing two [[electron]]s from a single [[atom]] or [[molecule]] or removing 1 [[electron]] from two [[atom]]s or [[molecule]]s.
		+	{\| class="wikitable"
		+	\|-
		+	\|[[File:AlphaIonise.png\|center\|600px]]
		+	\|-
		+	\| style="height:20px; width:600px; text-align:left;" \|When an [[Alpha Particle\|α-particle]] interacts with an [[atom]] the [[Alpha Particle\|α-particle]] can remove one or two [[electron]]s to '''ionise''' the [[atom]].
		+	\|}
		+
		+	===Precautions===
		+	: [[Alpha Particle\|Alpha radiation]] is the most [[Ionising Radiation\|ionising]] but the least [[Penetration Depth\|penetrating]].
		+	: [[Alpha Particle\|Alpha]] sources are kept inside a block of [[lead]] with a hole that only allows the [[Alpha Particle\|alpha particles]] out in one direction.
		+	: Outside the body an [[organism]] can be protected from [[Alpha Particle\|alpha radiation]] by keeping a distance greater than 5cm or by covering any bare skin.
		+	: Inside an [[organism]] [[Alpha Particle\|alpha particle]]s are the most dangerous as they are highly [[Ionising Radiation\|ionising]] and there is nothing inside an [[organism]] to block them [[Ionising Radiation\|ionising]] biological [[molecule]]s like [[DNA]]. Every precaution must be taken not to [[Radioactive Contamination\|contaminate]] the skin with the [[Alpha Particle\|alpha]] source in case it finds its way into the body through a cut or the mouth.
		+	: When handling a source of [[Alpha Particle\|alpha radiation]] the precautions which should be taken are:
		+	:*Wear gloves - to prevent [[Radioactive Contamination\|contamination]].
		+	:*Use tongs more than 5cm long to handle the source, never touch it - to prevent [[Radioactive Contamination\|contamination]] and [[irradiation]].
		+	:*Aim the source away from any living [[organism]] - to prevent [[irradiation]].
		+	:*Store the source in a sealed container - to prevent [[Radioactive Contamination\|contamination]] and [[irradiation]].
		+
		+	===Applications===
		+	{\| class="wikitable"
		+	\|-
		+	\|[[File:SmokeDetector.png\|center\|600px]]
		+	\|-
		+	\| style="height:20px; width:600px; text-align:left;" \|In a smoke detector [[Alpha Particle\|alpha particles]] are released between two [[electrode]]s.
		+
		+	When the [[Alpha Particle\|alpha particles]] [[Ionising Radiation\|ionise]] the [[molecule]]s in the [[air]] the [[ion]]s move between the [[electrode]]s and a [[Electrical Current\|current]] flows in the [[circuit]].
		+
		+	When smoke gets between the [[electrode]]s the [[ion]]s become stuck in large [[particle]]s of [[soot]] preventing them from moving. This stops the [[Electrical Current\|current]] in the [[circuit]].
		+
		+	The [[ammeter]] in the [[circuit]] is connected to an alarm which goes off when there is no [[Electrical Current\|current]].
		+	\|}
		+
		+	===Equation===
		+	<math>_Z^AX \rightarrow _{Z-2}^{A-4}Y + _2^4\alpha</math>
		+
		+	<math>_{92}^{238}U \rightarrow _{90}^{234}Th + _2^4\alpha</math>
		+	====Example Calculations====
		+
		+	{\| class="wikitable"
		+	\|-
		+	\| style="height:20px; width:300px; text-align:center;" \|'''Find the [[element]] 'X' and calculate its [[Relative Atomic Mass\|relative atomic mass]] 'A' and its [[Relative Atomic Charge\|relative atomic charge]] 'Z'.'''
		+
		+	<math>{}_{84}^{210}Po \rightarrow {}_{Z}^{A}X + {}_2^4\alpha</math>
		+
		+	\| style="height:20px; width:300px; text-align:center;" \|'''Find the [[element]] 'X' and calculate its [[Relative Atomic Mass\|relative atomic mass]] 'A' and its [[Relative Atomic Charge\|relative atomic charge]] 'Z'.'''
		+
		+	<math>{}_{Z}^{A}X \rightarrow {}_{86}^{222}Rn + {}_2^4\alpha</math>
		+
		+	\|-
		+	\| style="height:20px; width:300px; text-align:left;" \|'''1. Calculate the [[Relative Atomic Mass\|relative atomic mass]] by looking at the top row of numbers.'''
		+
		+	210 = A + 4
		+
		+	A = 206
		+	\| style="height:20px; width:300px; text-align:left;" \|'''1. Calculate the [[Relative Atomic Mass\|relative atomic mass]] by looking at the top row of numbers.'''
		+
		+	A = 222 + 4
		+
		+	A = 226
		+	\|-
		+	\| style="height:20px; width:300px; text-align:left;" \|'''2. Calculate the [[Relative Atomic Charge\|relative atomic charge]] by looking at the bottom row of numbers.'''
		+
		+	84 = Z + 2
		+
		+	Z = 82
		+	\| style="height:20px; width:300px; text-align:left;" \|'''2. Calculate the [[Relative Atomic Charge\|relative atomic charge]] by looking at the bottom row of numbers.'''
		+
		+	Z = 86 + 2
		+
		+	Z = 88
		+	\|-
		+	\| style="height:20px; width:300px; text-align:left;" \|'''3. Since the [[Relative Atomic Charge\|relative atomic charge]] is the same as the [[Atomic Number\|atomic number]] look up the [[element]] on the [[Periodic Table\|periodic table]].'''
		+
		+	<math>{}_{82}^{206}Pb</math>
		+	\| style="height:20px; width:300px; text-align:left;" \|'''3. Since the [[Relative Atomic Charge\|relative atomic charge]] is the same as the [[Atomic Number\|atomic number]] look up the [[element]] on the [[Periodic Table\|periodic table]].'''
		+
		+	<math>{}_{88}^{226}Ra</math>
		+	\|}

@@ Line 23: / Line 23: @@
 |-
 |[[File:AlphaPenetrationAir.png|center|200px]]
-| style="height:20px; width:400px; text-align:left;" |[[Alpha Particle|Alpha particles]] can travel around 5cm through [[air]] ([[STP]]) before [[colliding]] with and [[ionising]] [[atom]]s or [[molecule]]s.
+| style="height:20px; width:400px; text-align:left;" |[[Alpha Particle|Alpha particles]] can travel around 15cm through [[air]] ([[STP]]) before [[colliding]] with and [[ionising]] [[atom]]s or [[molecule]]s.
 |}

@@ Line 67: / Line 67: @@
 ===Equation===
-<math>_Z^AX \rightarrow {}_{Z-2}^{A-4}Y + {}_2^4\alpha</math>
+<math>_Z^AX \rightarrow _{Z-2}^{A-4}Y + _2^4\alpha</math>
-<math>{}_{92}^{238}U \rightarrow {}_{90}^{234}Th + {}_2^4\alpha</math>
+<math>_{92}^{238}U \rightarrow _{90}^{234}Th + _2^4\alpha</math>
 ====Example Calculations====