Science Education Home Home Teachers Students Games Videos VA SOL Programs

Glossary

Alpha DecayPrevious Question

(Alpha Decay)

Glossary Main Index

Next QuestionAtomic Number

(Atomic Number)

Alpha DecayPrevious Question

(Alpha Decay)

Glossary Main Index

Next QuestionAtomic Number

(Atomic Number)

Alpha Decay Glossary Index Atomic Number

Alpha Particle

alphaparticle.gif

Produced during alpha decay, an alpha particle is a fast moving helium  nucleus. Alpha particles carry a charge of +2 and strongly interact with matter. They travel only a few inches through air and can easily be stopped with a sheet of paper.

Citation and linking information

For questions about this page, please contact Carol McKisson.