alpha decay

noun

, Physics.

1. a radioactive process in which an alpha particle is emitted from the nucleus of an atom, decreasing its atomic number by two.

alpha decay

noun

1. the radioactive decay process resulting in emission of alpha particles

alpha decay

1. The radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus by emission of an alpha particle (two protons bound to two neutrons). When an element undergoes alpha decay, its atomic number decreases by two.

Word History and Origins

Origin of alpha decay¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Gamow performed a quick calculation using quantum rules and solved the alpha decay problem overnight, sharing his results with Hungarian physicist Eugene Wigner the next day.

From Scientific American

“The heavy nuclei makes an alpha decay to produce element 115, and this also decays by alpha decay,” says Jadambaa Khuyagbaatar of GSI, lead author of a paper reporting the results published May 1 in .

From Scientific American

A new isotope of a potential new element was produced, which transformed into other particles via a radioactive process named alpha decay.

From BBC

The team bombarded a thin film of the element americium with calcium ions, which allowed them to measure photons in connection with the new element's alpha decay.

From BBC