Title: 10 Uses of Alpha Radiation | Sciencing
Headings: 10 Uses of Alpha Radiation
10 Uses of Alpha Radiation
Cancer Treatment
Static Eliminator
Smoke Detector
Spacecraft Power
Pacemaker Battery
Remote Sensing Stations
Heating Devices
Coast Guard Buoys
Oil Well Equipment
Seismic and Oceanographic Devices

Content: Smoke particles disrupt this current, triggering an alarm. Spacecraft Power
Radioisotope thermoelectric generators are used to power a wide array of satellites and spacecraft, including Pioneer 10 and 11 and Voyager 1 and 2. These devices function like a battery, with the benefit of a long life span. Plutonium-238 serves as the fuel source, producing alpha radiation resulting in heat, which is converted to electricity. Pacemaker Battery
Alpha radiation is used as an energy source to power heart pacemakers. Plutonium-238 is used as the fuel source for such batteries; with a half-life of 88 years, this source of power provides a long lifespan for pacemakers. However, due to their toxicity, difficulties with patients in traveling, and problems with disposal, they are no longer used. Remote Sensing Stations
The Unites States Air Force uses alpha radiation to power remote sensing stations in Alaska. Strontium-90 is typically used as the fuel source.