What are some properties of alpha particles ?
1 Answer
The most basic properties of alpha particles are listed in almost every introductory nuclear physics or physical chemistry textbook. I would still list a few of them below.
1) Alpha particles are
2) Being charged, they are deflected by electromagnetic fields.
3) They ionize the medium they pass through. Their ionizing power is far superior to that of beta and gamma particles.
4) Because of high ionizing power, they can be very easily absorbed by a few centimeters of air or a few millimeters of Al.
5) In natural alpha decay, alpha particles have energies ranging from 5-10
6) When alpha particles fall on certain materials such as ZnS, they case flashes or scintillation.
