What is a key effect of alpha radiation?

Alpha radiation is composed of heavily charged particles, specifically two protons and two neutrons, which are emitted from the nucleus of an atom. One of the key effects of alpha radiation is its ability to produce significant ionisation over a short distance. This occurs because alpha particles are relatively large and carry a positive charge, allowing them to interact strongly with matter.

When alpha particles travel through air or other materials, they collide with atoms, knocking electrons away and creating ions. This process happens over a very short range, typically just a few centimeters in air and only a few micrometers in biological tissues. As a result, alpha radiation can cause extensive local damage to cells and tissues in its path, even though it cannot penetrate deeply into materials or the body.

This production of ionisation indicates a high potential for biological damage, particularly when alpha emitters are ingested or inhaled since their effects would occur directly in or near sensitive biological tissues. Thus, the characteristics of alpha radiation, specifically its strong ionising power over a short distance, are crucial to understanding its potential hazards in specific contexts.