Simple questions about alpha particles

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of stripping other atoms besides helium of all their electrons and whether they can be encountered and isolated. It also touches on the stability of these stripped atoms compared to alpha particles. The factors affecting the stripping process, such as temperature and pressure, are mentioned. The conversation also mentions the use of hydrogen atom ionization in certain processes and the production of high charge state ions through ECR ion sources. A table is referenced to show the capability of these ion sources in removing electrons from various atoms.
  • #1
Gonzolo
1. Can any other atom besides helium be completely stripped of all its electrons? Are these ever encontered? Can they (C +12, or Fe +26, or U +92 etc.) be isolated and produced as a stream? How do these compare (stability) to alpha particles?

2. As for alpha particles themselves, how long do they last before becoming helium? There must be some half-life related to this and that would depend on local environment, especially the pressure of the gas in which it resides. Surely, an alpha particle would last longer in a vacuum than it would in 1 atm.
 
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  • #2
A major factor in stripping electrons is the temperature. It is practical problem. For example at the center of the sun everything is completely ionized. Also gas density does play a role, as you indicated. In outer space electrons are sparse.
 
  • #3
Hydrogen atoms are often stripped of their electron, its usually how we isolate a proton for use. Basis and Acids work on the principal of the Ionisation of A hydrogen atom.

I couldn't tell you about the others... But yes i have heard that everything is completely ionised at the centre of a star. So id agree with that

An alpha particle will only last going through a few mm of air before ionising... and into solid mattar about [tex]~10^-2mm[/tex]
 
  • #4
sorry, that was a few cm in air
 
  • #5
Gonzolo said:
1. Can any other atom besides helium be completely stripped of all its electrons? Are these ever encontered? Can they (C +12, or Fe +26, or U +92 etc.) be isolated and produced as a stream? How do these compare (stability) to alpha particles?
As mathman said, yes - it depends upon things like temperature and pressure. These are encountered 'all the time' (e.g. in cosmic rays), and yes, they can be 'isolated and produced as a stream' (e.g. in many particle accelerators around the world; in fact, that's how the few super-heavy elements have been produced!)
 
  • #6
KaneOris said:
[tex]~10^-2m[/tex]

Thanks, but I would also be interested in where the number comes from and perhaps the function depth(pressure, type of gas, etc.) or a table if anything of the sort is available.
 
  • #7
Here is a link to an old report on Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) ion sources. These are used to produce high charge state ions for accelerators like cyclotrons or linacs.
http://ecrgroup.lbl.gov/papers_pdf/rsi00625.pdf
Take a look at Table 1. You can see that they managed to fully ionize Argon, and produced a small current of Ca +19 (all but one electron gone.) I think that newer ECRISes can remove more than half the electrons for a Uranium ion.
 
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  • #8
Thanks everybody.
 

What are alpha particles?

Alpha particles are a type of subatomic particle that have a positive charge and are emitted from the nucleus of an atom during radioactive decay.

How are alpha particles different from other types of radiation?

Alpha particles have a relatively large mass and a low penetrating power compared to other types of radiation such as beta particles or gamma rays.

What is the range of alpha particles in air?

The range of alpha particles in air is relatively short, about 3-10 centimeters, due to their large mass and low penetrating power.

Can alpha particles be harmful to humans?

Yes, alpha particles can be harmful to humans if ingested or inhaled. However, they can be easily stopped by a sheet of paper or the outer layer of skin, so they are not harmful in everyday situations.

How are alpha particles used in scientific research?

Alpha particles are used in a variety of scientific research, including in nuclear physics experiments, as a tool for studying the properties of materials, and in medical treatments such as radiotherapy.

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