Phenomena and Processes

Alpha Particles

Positively charged particles composed of two protons and two NEUTRONS, i.e. equivalent to HELIUM nuclei, which are emitted during disintegration of heavy ISOTOPES. Alpha rays have very strong ionizing power, but weak penetrability.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Positively charged particles composed of two protons and two NEUTRONS, i.e. equivalent to HELIUM nuclei, which are emitted during disintegration of heavy ISOTOPES. Alpha rays have very strong ionizing power, but weak penetrability.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

9 entry terms
  • Alpha Particle
  • Particle, Alpha
  • Particles, Alpha
  • Alpha Radiation
  • Alpha Rays
  • Radiation, Alpha
  • Alpha Ray
  • Ray, Alpha
  • Rays, Alpha

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

4 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings adverse effects, classification, history, therapeutic use.

MeSH Record

History Note

66

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. G01w.750w.750w.055w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Alpha Particles. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D000512. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D000512
  2. Alpha Particles. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_particle
  3. Alpha Particles. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q103517