An alpha particle – sometimes written α – can be emitted in various radioactive decay scenarios. U238<\/sup> → Th234<\/sup> + α is an example.<\/p>\n α particles aren’t seen as dangerous radiation compared to some kinds, because they don’t penetrate the body the way some types of radiation do. The only way I know of that α radiation can be dangerous is if a person ingests material that releases it; such a situation is hard to imagine.<\/p>\n Yet, what happens to the α particles after release? An α particle is a helium nucleus without electrons. After emission, it eventually gains two electrons to become a helium atom. It may, however, ionize up to 100,000 other species it encounters on the way.<\/p>\n Source:<\/p>\n chem.uiuc.edu<\/a><\/p>\nJack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane,<\/a> Campbell River, BC.\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Self-tutoring about radioactive decay: the tutor wonders what happens to emitted alpha particles. An alpha particle – sometimes written α – can be emitted in various radioactive decay scenarios. U238 → Th234 + α is an example. α particles aren’t …<\/p>\n