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What are alpha rays? How are they produced?Previous Question

(What are alpha rays? How are they produced?)

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(Is it possible for an element to emit more than one kind of radiation?)

What are alpha rays? How are they produced?Previous Question

(What are alpha rays? How are they produced?)

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Next QuestionIs it possible for an element to emit more than one kind of radiation?

(Is it possible for an element to emit more than one kind of radiation?)

What are alpha rays? How are they produced? Q&A Main Index Is it possible for an element to emit more than one kind of radiation?

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)

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