What type of particles does alpha radiation consist of?

Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei, which are made up of two protons and two neutrons. This means that when an unstable atomic nucleus undergoes alpha decay, it emits these helium nuclei as a means of reducing its mass and achieving greater stability. The emission of an alpha particle is a natural process that occurs in many heavy elements, such as uranium and radium, and is a significant mechanism through which these isotopes release energy and transform into different elements.

Understanding alpha radiation is crucial because it explains not only the properties of the particles emitted but also their implications in various fields, including nuclear physics and medical applications. Helium nuclei have a relatively large mass compared to other forms of radiation, making them less penetrating and thus more easily stopped by materials such as paper or human skin, contrasting with the other types of particles that are more penetrating. This characteristic plays an important role in how alpha radiation interacts with matter and biological tissues.