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alpha particle |
Also found in: Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson | 0.02 sec. |
alpha particle, a particle emitted from an atom during one kind of radioactive decay. It consists of two protons and two neutrons, the equivalent of a helium nucleus. Ordinarily, alpha particles are a weak form of radiation with a short range and are not considered hazardous unless inhaled or ingested. particle, n a small amount of material. particle, alpha, n (alpha ray, alpha radiation) a positively charged particulate ionizing radiation consisting of helium nuclei (two protons and two neutrons) traveling at high speeds. These rays are emitted from the nucleus of an unstable element. particle, beta, n (beta ray, beta radiation) a particulate ionizing radiation consisting of either negative electrons (negatrons) or positive electrons (positrons) emitted from the nucleus of an unstable element. This phenomenon is called beta decay. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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However, in one of every 10 billion collisions, the deuterons fused to form a helium nucleus and a neutral pion. Ramayya and his coworkers have also found that californium-252 sometimes breaks into three fragments--two of moderate size and one as small as a helium nucleus (or alpha particle). The researchers meticulously recorded the emission of four alpha-particles, each a helium nucleus with two protons and two neutrons. |
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