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alpha particle

noun

, Physics.
  1. a positively charged particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, emitted in radioactive decay or nuclear fission; the nucleus of a helium atom.


alpha particle

noun

  1. a helium-4 nucleus, containing two neutrons and two protons, emitted during some radioactive transformations


alpha particle

  1. A positively charged particle that consists of two protons and two neutrons bound together. It is emitted by an atomic nucleus undergoing radioactive decay and is identical to the nucleus of a helium atom. Because of their relatively large mass, alpha particles are the slowest and least penetrating forms of nuclear radiation. They can be stopped by a piece of paper.
  2. See more at radioactive decay


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Word History and Origins

Origin of alpha particle1

First recorded in 1900–05

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