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Ap Nuclear Chem Problem

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spr33:
Could you help me out?
The question is as follows:

Conder the following information:
i. The layer of dead sking on our bodies is sufficient to protect us from most alpha particle radiation
ii. Plutonium is an alpha particle producer
iii. the chemistry of Pu4+ is similar to that of Fe3+
iv. Pu oxidizes readily to Pu4+

Why is plutonium on of the most toxic substances known?


I know why it is dangerous, but do you have idea why it is that involves all of these facts about plutonium? Much appreciated

Mitch:
Plutonium is not a very toxic substance at all! The AP has this completely wrong.

constant thinker:
Alpha particles aren't dangerous on the outside of our bodies, but what about inside of our bodies...

Donaldson Tan:
A lot of Alpha Particles = Helium Gas.

Helium is a Noble Gas. How reactive is it chemically?

Yggdrasil:
Helium = Alpha Particle - velocity (and w/o electrons)

It's like saying bullets aren't dangerous because without a gun to shoot them, they can't hurt you.  But when you fire a bullet out of a gun and give it velocity, then it becomes dangerous.  Same deal with alpha particles.  Helium nuclei are relatively innocuous until they get ejected from radioactive nuclei at high speeds.

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