Alpha Particle

Key Stage 4

Meaning

An alpha particle is a type of ionising radiation made of 2 protons and 2 neutrons emitted from the nucleus of an unstable isotope.

About Alpha Particles

Alpha particles are a Helium nucleus.

Alpha particles are emitted when a nucleus is too large or the ratio of protons to neutrons is too large.

Alpha particles are emitted rather than single protons or neutrons because the Helium nucleus is extremely stable.