Alpha+Decay

Alpha decay is when the unstable nucleus emits 2 protons and 2 neutrons:



Alpha particles are quite large so:
 * Alpha particles** are sometimes called a Helium nucleus because a **Helium nucleus** has 2 protons and 2 neutrons! Easy!
 * they don't travel very far, only a **few cms** in air.
 * they can be stopped with a piece of paper.
 * they cause alot of damage to living cells //if// they get inside the body (say if a person swallowed some radioactive material).

But because they are quite big they cannot get past your skin. They are also stopped by a piece of paper!

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