terms:alpha_particle
A particle identical to the helium nucleus which has been ejected from the nucleus of an atom as a form of radiation. When the alpha particle slows down it picks up two electrons, becoming an atom of helium. The penetrating power of an alpha particle is low; a thin sheet of paper will stop most alpha particles. The readjustment which takes place within the parent nucleus results in gamma radiation.
terms/alpha_particle.txt · Last modified: 2023/11/22 08:39 by 127.0.0.1