alpha ray

noun

, Physics.

1. a stream of alpha particles.

alpha ray

noun

1. ionizing radiation consisting of a stream of alpha particles

alpha ray

1. A stream of alpha particles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of alpha ray¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Such is a brief summary of the climax of radioactive discovery:—the birth, life and death of the alpha ray.

From Project Gutenberg

The alpha ray carries a positive charge of double the ionic amount.

From Project Gutenberg

The full line in Fig. 13 gives the ionisation curve which it may be expected would be struck out by a single alpha ray.

From Project Gutenberg

But in point of fact the ionisation due to an alpha ray is sui generis.

From Project Gutenberg

A single alpha ray fired from radium C will produce 2.37 x 105 ions in air.

From Project Gutenberg