Alpha particles are helium-4 nuclei, consisting of two protons and two neutrons, emitted during the radioactive decay of certain heavy elements like uranium and radium. Due to their relatively large mass and charge, alpha particles have low penetration power but can cause significant damage to biological tissues if ingested or inhaled.

Alpha Particles

Alpha particles

helium-4 nuclei

Protons are subatomic particles with a positive electric charge found in the nucleus of an atom, playing a crucial role in defining the element's identity and contributing to the atomic mass. They are composed of three quarks bound together by the strong nuclear force, making them stable and fundamental to the structure of matter.

protons

Neutrons are subatomic particles with no electric charge, found in the nucleus of an atom alongside protons. They play a crucial role in the stability of atomic nuclei and are essential for nuclear reactions, including fission and fusion processes.

neutrons

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, leading to the transformation of the original atom into a different element or a different isotope of the same element. This process occurs spontaneously and is characterized by a specific half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

radioactive decay

heavy elements

uranium

radium

penetration power

Biological tissues are groups of cells that work together to perform specific functions, forming the structural and functional units of organs in multicellular organisms. They are categorized into four primary types: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues, each with distinct roles and characteristics.

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