See also alpha particle, gamma ray, neutron, x-ray.ĭecay Chain (Decay Series) - The series of decays that certain radioisotopes go through before reaching a stable form. They also pose a serious internal radiation threat if beta-emitting atoms are ingested or inhaled. They can pose a serious direct or external radiation threat and can be lethal depending on the amount received. Although they can be stopped by a thin sheet of aluminum, beta particles can penetrate the dead skin layer, potentially causing burns. See also beta particle, gamma ray, neutron, x-ray.Ītom - The smallest particle of an element that can enter into a chemical reaction.īeta Particles - Electrons ejected from the nucleus of a decaying atom. When alpha-emitting atoms are inhaled or swallowed, however, they are especially damaging because they transfer relatively large amounts of ionizing energy to living cells. Therefore, they do not damage living tissue when outside the body. Alpha particles can be stopped by a thin layer of light material, such as a sheet of paper, and cannot penetrate the outer, dead layer of skin. Alpha particles generally carry more energy than gamma or beta particles, and deposit that energy very quickly while passing through tissue. Certain radioactive nuclei emit alpha particles. If you take a soil sample anywhere in the world, including your backyard, you will find uranium atoms that date back to when the Earth was formed.Īlpha particles - The nucleus of a helium atom, made up of two neutrons and two protons with a charge of +2.Naturally occurring uranium-238 present in the Earth’s crust has a half-life of almost 4.5 billion years.Uranium is a radionuclide that has an extremely long half-life. After 24 hours, the radioactivity from the procedure will be reduced by more than 90%.
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