alpha ray
- noun
- /ˈæl.fə reɪ/
- Specialized
:
rayo alfa
- During the experiment, scientists measured the intensity of the alpha rays emitted by the sample over time.
Examples
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Then you might also ask, why is it that the highest energy alpha ray is not the same energy as the Q value?
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It keeps out the alpha rays, Max.
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As a radioactive substance decays, it emits particles called alpha rays that can be detected by specialized instruments.
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The alpha rays produced by the uranium sample were strong enough to ionize nearby air molecules.
Synonyms
Radiation made of heavy particles that radioactive materials send out
Surface Forms
Morphology
alpha + ray
The phrase is compositionally transparent: 'alpha' identifies the specific particle/radiation type and 'ray' denotes a beam or stream, so 'alpha ray' straightforwardly means a beam/stream of alpha particles. This is a regular scientific naming pattern (cf. beta ray) and would be clear to a learner who knows the technical sense of 'alpha' and the meaning of 'ray'.
Etymology
The term alpha ray comes from early scientists who called the first kind of radiation alpha and pictured it as a short, straight ray or 'beam' of particles. So, alpha ray now means a stream of heavy particles sent out when some materials break down and release radiation.
