Alpha Decay (Noun)
Meaning
Radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus that is accompanied by the emission of an alpha particle.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The process of alpha decay occurs when an unstable atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle to become more stable.
- Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay that involves the emission of an alpha particle from the nucleus of an atom.
- The half-life of a radioactive substance can be determined by measuring the rate of alpha decay.
- Alpha decay is a common mode of decay for heavy elements, such as uranium and thorium.
- The energy released during alpha decay is typically in the range of a few million electron volts.