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alpha particle
noun
, Physics.
- 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
- a helium-4 nucleus, containing two neutrons and two protons, emitted during some radioactive transformations
alpha particle
- 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.
- 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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