alpha decay | has definition The disintegration of an atomic nucleus, in which the final products are an alpha particle and a nucleus with two fewer protons and two fewer neutrons than the original. | ![has source: Guth, A.H. 1997 The Inflationary Universe, Addison-Wesley, 2001-09-27 09:29:40.0 has source: Guth, A.H. 1997 The Inflationary Universe, Addison-Wesley, 2001-09-27 09:29:40.0](facet.gif) |
has definition Spontaneous emission by a heavier element (such as uranium) of positively charged helium nuclei - alpha particles - comprising 2 protons and 2 neutrons. The result of this radioactive decay is that the original element is very gradually converted into another element, with a decreased atomic number and mass. Alpha particle emission may be simultaneous with beta particle decay. | ![has source: Abbot, D. 1984 Astronomers, Peter Bedrick Books, New York, 2001-09-27 09:29:40.0 has source: Abbot, D. 1984 Astronomers, Peter Bedrick Books, New York, 2001-09-27 09:29:40.0](facet.gif) |
is a kind of nuclear decay | ![2001-09-27 09:29:40.0 2001-09-27 09:29:40.0](facet.gif) |
physical process | has domain physics | ![2001-09-27 09:29:38.0 2001-09-27 09:29:38.0](facet.gif) |