Question

How is alpha decay used in everyday life?

Answer 1

Hint: For answering this question we should learn about alpha decay first. Alpha decay or $ \alpha - decay $ is defined as the decay where the atomic nucleus of a specific element releases a Helium atom or $ {}_2^4He $ and gets transformed into an atom of a different element. Alpha decay results in decrease in atomic number and atomic mass of the atom due to release of a helium atom. We will discuss in which areas alpha decay is used and its application in everyday life.

Complete answer:
To understand the alpha decay better let’s see an example of simple reaction undergoing alpha decay
 $ {}_b^aZ \to {}_{b - 2}^{a - 4}Y + {}_2^4He $
In the above reaction element Z with mass number ‘a’ and atomic number ‘b’ undergoes alpha decay and releases a Helium atom and element Z is converted to another element Y with atomic number ‘ $ b - 2 $ ’ and mass number ‘ $ a - 4 $ ’.
Alpha decay has many applications, one of them is their use in smoke detectors. $ Americium - 241 $ is an alpha emitter which is used in Smoke detectors. The alpha particles ionize the surrounding air in an open chamber and small current flows through air. Smoke particles which come in contact with air reduce the current triggering the alarm.
 $ Radium - 223 $ also, an alpha emitter is used in the treatment of skeletal metastases (also known as bone cancer).
Alpha decay can provide a safer power source for radioisotopes generators used for space probes.

Note:
Alpha decay is much safer than other radioactive decay. It can be easily shielded as compared to other radioactive decay. An alpha particle is identical to the nucleus of $ Helium - 4 $ atom which has $ 2 $ protons and two neutrons.