What is the movement characteristic of alpha particles?

Alpha particles are characterized by their relatively slow movement compared to other forms of radiation. These particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, making them relatively heavy and positively charged. As a result of their mass and charge, alpha particles have a low penetration ability and can be easily stopped by a sheet of paper or even the outer layer of human skin.

In the context of radiation types, alpha particles do not travel as quickly or penetrate as deeply as beta particles or gamma rays. This property is crucial for understanding safety measures in radiological work, as it highlights the need for specific types of shielding to protect against different radiation types. The slow movement of alpha particles is a direct consequence of their larger mass and charge, making them significantly slower than the more penetrating gamma rays, which travel at the speed of light.