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What is an alpha particle?

An alpha particle is a fast moving packet containing two protons and two neutrons (a helium nucleus). Alpha particles carry a charge of +2 and strongly interact with matter. Produced during alpha decay, alpha particles can travel only a few inches through air and can be easily stopped with a sheet of paper.

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Steve Gagnon, Science Education Specialist (Other answers by Steve Gagnon)

This page is maintained by Steve Gagnon.

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