alpha radiation

noun

1. alpha particles emitted from a radioactive isotope

alpha radiation

1. Particles sent out by some radioactive nuclei , each particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons bound together. Alpha particles carry a positive charge . ( See beta radiation and gamma radiation .)

Notes

Alpha radiation, unlike gamma radiation, has low penetrating power; it can be stopped by clothing.

Example Sentences

The alpha radiation that DU emits is not strong enough to penetrate human skin, so just being near depleted uranium is not a health risk.

From Salon

According to the lawsuit and data from the state Environment Department, excess levels of mercury, silver, copper, zinc, nickel, polychlorinated biphenyls and gross alpha radiation are entering local waterways through runoff.

From Washington Times

Such radiation is easy to block; one’s epidermis can block alpha radiation, and a few millimeters of aluminum can block beta radiation.

From Washington Post

But inhaling a small particle of plutonium or thorium can go unnoticed by such monitors and deliver a lifetime of alpha radiation right next to lung tissue, Kaltofen said.

From Los Angeles Times

This alpha radiation emitted inside his body after he had drunk the poisoned tea was what made Litvinenko ill and killed him a month later.

From Washington Post