alpha decay
Definition
Noun: A type of radioactive decay in which an unstable atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, thereby transforming into a different nucleus with a mass number reduced by four and an atomic number reduced by two.
Usage
This term is used specifically in the field of nuclear physics to describe a fundamental decay process. * Uranium-238 undergoes alpha decay to become thorium-234. * The half-life of a substance can be determined by measuring the rate of alpha decay. * Alpha decay is one of the most common forms of radioactivity for heavy elements.
Advanced Usage
- To undergo alpha decay: This is the standard verb collocation for the process.
- Plutonium-239 can undergo alpha decay.
- Alpha decay energy: Refers to the kinetic energy carried away by the emitted alpha particle, which is characteristic of the parent nucleus.
- Scientists measured the alpha decay energy to identify the isotope.
Variants and Related Words
- Alpha particle (n): The particle emitted during alpha decay, consisting of two protons and two neutrons (identical to a helium-4 nucleus).
- Alpha emitter (n): A substance or isotope that decays via alpha decay.
- Radioactive decay (n): The general process of which alpha decay is a specific type.
Synonyms
- Alpha disintegration: A less common but technically equivalent term.
- α-decay: The symbolic representation used in scientific notation.
Related Phrases
- Decay chain / decay series: A sequence of radioactive decays, often initiated by an alpha decay event.
- The decay chain of uranium-238 includes several steps of alpha decay and beta decay.
- Decay product / daughter nucleus: The nucleus that results from alpha decay.
- The decay product of radium-226 from alpha decay is radon-222.
Noun
-
radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus that is accompanied by the emission of an alpha particle
