Alpha decay
![E. Rutherford](/education/courses/other-education/radiation-protection/a-z/a-z-pictures/pic-rutherford.jpg)
In radioactive alpha decay, the atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (denoted by the Greek letter α): this is a helium nucleus consisting of two protons and two neutrons.
History
The name was coined by the New Zealand physicist Ernest Rutherford (1871 – 1937) baron of Nelson. In late 1907, he proofed that alpha particles are helium nuclei.
Related concepts
Last modified: | 07 April 2024 4.41 p.m. |
View this page in: Nederlands