Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons bound together into a particle identical to a helium nucleus. They have
much less energy than either beta particles of gamma waves. Suppose a Geiger counter was placed 10 cm from an alpha emitter, and clicks were recorded for three minutes. A) 0 clicks
B) 2 clicks
C) 5 clicks
D) 10 clicks
0 clicks would be detected on the far side of the aluminum shield. Alpha particles are not very penetrating. Paper, clothing or a few centimeters of air can effectively shield against alpha particles. However, if ingested or inhaled, alpha particles can be hazardous.
Only very massive stars will go through a supernova stage, causing the outer layer to explode away and the core to collapse in on itself, becoming very dense.
