alpha decay

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Definitions from WordNet

Noun alpha decay has 1 sense

alpha decay - radioactive decay of an atomic nucleaus that is accompanied by the emission of an alpha particle
--₁ is a kind of decay, radioactive decay, disintegration

Definitions from the Web

Alpha Decay

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, consisting of two protons and two neutrons. This process occurs in heavy and unstable elements, resulting in the reduction of the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.

Senses:

Physics: A form of radioactive decay where an atomic nucleus releases an alpha particle.
Chemistry: The disintegration of a radioactive substance through the emission of an alpha particle.

Example Sentences:

The decay of uranium-238 into thorium-234 involves an alpha decay process.
Alpha decay is a natural phenomenon observed in various radioactive isotopes.
We studied the consequences of alpha decay in our nuclear physics class.