Alpha Ray (Noun)
Meaning
The radiation of alpha particles during radioactive decay.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural phenomena.
Examples
- An alpha ray consists of two protons and two neutrons that are released during certain types of radioactive decay.
- In radioactive decay, the alpha ray has the lowest penetrating power and the largest mass of the radiation particles.
- Uranium's most stable isotopes decay and emit an alpha ray which changes it to a thorium atom.
- A large, dense material like a thick metal plate is capable of blocking alpha rays during radioactive decay.
- Polonium's radioactivity causes it to decay quickly, and during that decay it releases a very strong and ionizing alpha ray.