Astrophysics (Index)About

alpha particle

(alpha)
(essentially a helium nucleus produced by radioactivity)

An alpha particle is a type of particle emitted during nuclear reactions: radioactive decay emitting such a particle is termed alpha decay. It specifically consists of two protons and two neutrons, i.e., it is a helium-4 nucleus. When produced by such decay, it has considerable velocity relative to the source, thus considerable kinetic energy (on the order of 5 MeV).

This is in contrast to a beta particle, similarly emitted, but consisting of an electron or positron. Collisions of alpha or beta particles with a nucleus can also create nuclear reactions, e.g., alpha capture. Cosmic rays include alpha and beta particles.


(physics,particle)
Further reading:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_particle
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Nuclear/radact.html#c2
https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/glossary/alpha-particle.html
https://www.atomicarchive.com/science/physics/alpha-decay.html

Referenced by pages:
Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE)
alpha capture
alpha element
alpha process (α process)
cosmic rays (CR)
GZK limit
habitable zone (HZ)
ionizing radiation
Lunar Prospector
Mars Exploration Rover (MER)
Mars Science Laboratory (MSL)
Parker Solar Probe (PSP)
particle spectrometer
radioactive decay
radioactive heating
radioactivity
Rosetta
solar particle
triple alpha process

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