Delta Ray (Noun)
Meaning
An electron ejected from matter by ionizing radiation.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made).
Examples
- Delta rays are produced when an alpha particle or beta particle collides with an orbital electron of an atom in a material.
- The high-energy delta ray then goes on to collide with other atoms, producing further ionization.
- A delta ray can be thought of as a secondary electron ejected from the atom after it has interacted with the primary radiation.
- In many cases, the delta ray itself is capable of producing further ionization as it moves through the material.
- Delta rays can also cause significant damage to living cells by ionizing the water molecules in the cell.