alpha ray

American  

noun

Physics.

1. a stream of alpha particles.

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alpha ray British  

noun

1. ionizing radiation consisting of a stream of alpha particles

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alpha ray Scientific  

1. A stream of alpha particles.

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Etymology

Origin of alpha ray

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

This is due to the bombardment of the zinc sulphide by a type of ray called the alpha ray.

From A Brief Account of Radio-activity by Venable, Francis Preston

Each alpha ray leaving the nucleus will just attain its range and then cease to affect the mica.

From The Birth-Time of the World and Other Scientific Essays by Joly, John

For it proves that in the mineral the alpha ray gives rise to the same increased ionisation towards the end of its range, as Bragg determined in the case of gases.

From The Birth-Time of the World and Other Scientific Essays by Joly, John

The alpha ray carries a positive charge of double the ionic amount.

From The Birth-Time of the World and Other Scientific Essays by Joly, John

When its initial velocity is expended the helium atom gives up its properties as an alpha ray and thenceforth remains possessed of the ordinary varying velocity of thermal agitation.

From The Birth-Time of the World and Other Scientific Essays by Joly, John