Alpha particles (α) are particles that consist of two protons and two neutrons bound together into a particle identical to a helium- 4 nucleus. They are generally produced in the process of alpha decay, but may also be produced in other ways. There is only one alpha particle, and that is the helium-4 nucleus. Note that only the nucleus is given out, not the electrons, so an alpha particle always has a charge of +2, due to the presence of two protons.

Uses of Alpha Particles/Radiation

1. They are used in smoke detections

2. They are used for the treatment of cancer

3. They are used to power a wide array of seismic and other oceanographic devices,
4. They are used in remote sensing stations.

5. Alpha radiation from polonium-210 is used to eliminate static electricity in industrial applications.

6. The oil industry uses alpha radiation to power some of its offshore equipment.

7. Radioisotope thermoelectric generators are used to power @ wide array of satellites and spacecraft

8. The US Coast Guard uses alpha radiation to power some of their oceanic buoys.

9. They are used as an energy source to power heart pacemakers.