Alpha decay
a radioactive process in which an alpha particle is emitted from the nucleus of an atom, decreasing its atomic number by two.
noun
the radioactive decay process resulting in emission of alpha particles
alpha decay
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.
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noun a radioactive isotope that emits alpha particles Historical Examples One such reaction uses alpha particles emitted by polonium-210 (or some other alpha emitter) to bombard the element beryllium. The Atomic Fingerprint Bernard Keisch
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- Alpha fiber
alpha fiber alpha fiber n. Any of the large somatic motor or proprioceptive nerve fibers conducting impulses at rates near 100 meters per second.