Statistics of electric charging of α-active aerosols

Distribution functions of the electric charges of alpha-active particles in a bipolar atmosphere are calculated. A detailed balance of the charge states of particles is performed. Under conditions of alpha decay of the constituent nuclei of the aerosol material, approximately 40 secondary electrons emanate from micron-size particles; as a result, a particle acquires a positive charge. Therefore, multiple charge transfers between charge states are also included in the analysis. 3 refs