What is Alpha: Definition and 474 Discussions

Alpha (uppercase Α, lowercase α; Ancient Greek: ἄλφα, álpha, modern pronunciation álfa) is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. In the system of Greek numerals, it has a value of one. Alpha is derived from the Phoenician letter aleph , which is the West Semitic word for "ox". Letters that arose from alpha include the Latin letter A and the Cyrillic letter А.

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  1. J

    Solving a Nuclear Reaction Problem: Alpha Particle & Uranium-232

    Here I have a problem: A 232/92 Uranium nucleus emits an alpha particle with kinetic energy=5.32MeV. What is the final nucleus and what is the approximate mass(in units) of the final atom. I can write the equation for the reaction, this will give 4/2 He and 228/90 Th. If the alpha particle...
  2. V

    Consequences of a varying alpha

    First off I should mention physics is not my expertise and the class I am presenting this argument to knows not much more of physics than Newton's laws. Anyway, for this English class, we were supposed to pick a topic and write a well-constructed research paper, and of course I picked something...
  3. V

    What Voltage Is Required to Double an Alpha Particle's Velocity?

    An alpha particle is accelerated to a velocity v in a particle accelerator by a potential difference of 1200 V. Which of the following potential differences would be needed to give the alpha particle twice the velocity? A. 7200 V B. 4800 V C. 4100 V D. 2400 V E. 1700 V At first, I...
  4. F

    Collisions between the alpha particles and air molecules

    hello. i will be appearing for my a levs in a couple of months and this is a 'design experiment' question i need help with. i haven't ever designed an experiment and help will be appreciated. Question: 'Alpha particles from a particular radioactive source have a range of about 6 or 7 cm...
  5. Jameson

    How Many Centimeters of Wire Were Used Up? | Mu Alpha Theta Math Club Question"

    I don't know how many are familiar with this math club, I think it is mostly a southern thing, but here is a question which remains to stump me. --------- Wire of 0.1cm is tightly wound (with no gaps in between layers) around a cylindrical pole of 3cm radius between heights of 0cm and 1cm...
  6. N

    NIST lists alpha= 7.297352568 10E-3

    (this post was moved from the Using the Force Constant in Equations thread as it seems to be a branching question.) I just got off work and I usually like to have something to think about while going about my chores. Cleaning is not very demanding, mentally, and radio is just an irritating...
  7. P

    Impact Parameter of Alpha Particle Rutherford

    In the Rutherford scattering experiment a very thin gold foil target is bombarded with a beam of a particles of known kinetic energy. A detector which can be moved on a circle around the target counts the scattered particles. What was the impact parameter of a 4.57 MeV a particle if it was...
  8. E

    Can we please look for 'New Earth' at Alpha Centauri?

    Abdul Ahad wrote: "A Tiny Ray of Hope in the Eternal Darkness... Successfully locating an Earth-like planet in the habitable zone around one of the two principal 'suns' of the Alpha Centauri system will surely rank as one of the greatest discoveries in the entire history of science. Such...
  9. T

    Which angle is bigger: alpha or beta

    OK i have this equation: Vf^2 (sin^2 β) = (V2f^2 – 0.75V0) (sin^2 α) and i need to know which angle is bigger: alpha or beta i think its simple but can people give me some answers here?
  10. R

    Replace an Intel processor with an Alpha processor

    Can I just replace an Intel processor (like pentium) or an AMD processor, with another type like alpha processor in my PC? Of course I'll have to reinstall the operating system.
  11. I

    Calculating Alpha Particle Ionization Spacing: 4 MeV

    Anyone know how to calculate the average spacing between successive ionizations of alpha particles? My case is with 4 MeV particles.
  12. G

    How Do Alpha Particles Compare to Other Fully Ionized Atoms?

    1. Can any other atom besides helium be completely stripped of all its electrons? Are these ever encontered? Can they (C +12, or Fe +26, or U +92 etc.) be isolated and produced as a stream? How do these compare (stability) to alpha particles? 2. As for alpha particles themselves, how long...
  13. P

    What is the equation for solving for alpha?

    i have this equation. While working on a problem i came across this. I need to solve for alpha. I can't seem to get anywere. I tried the problem two ways and end up havin the same problem so any help be appreciated. Thanks in advance Solve for alpha M/rF = Sin(alpha)Cos(theta) +...
  14. A

    Explaining Alpha Beta & Gamma - Can Someone Help?

    i get what alpha is but i do not really get what betta and gamma is can someone please explain to me ? thanx
  15. M

    Exploring Multiple Infinities: Beyond Cantor's Proof

    Is there another convincing way, other than the one orginally used by cantor, of prooving that there exists infinitys greater than alpha zero? I ask because cantor's proof seems a bit shaky to me, at least the way I've read it. I hear that there is some discontent amongst top maths dudes...
  16. tandoorichicken

    Exploring Alpha Particle Emission: Energy Release in Am-241 Decay and Beyond

    Whats the energy released when an alpha particle is emitted, say for example, from Am-241 -> He-4 + Np-237 ? Is it the same for all decay reactions?
  17. N

    Alpha does not vary with time - new study's stringent limits

    http://www.eso.org/outreach/press-rel/pr-2004/pr-05-04.html reports the work of a team of astronomers using the VLT in Chile. "To explain the Universe and to represent it mathematically, scientists rely on so-called fundamental constants or fixed numbers. The fundamental laws of physics, as...
  18. X

    Alpha Particle Flow: Current & Resistance

    Can anyone give some hints on this problem? This is about current and resistance. Problem: A steady beam of alpha particles (q= +2e) traveling with constant kinetic energy 20MeV carries a current of 0.25 micro ampere. (a) If the beam is directed perpendicular to a plane surfece, how many...
  19. B

    Omega partial alpha found @ www.beyond-science.com

    Omega partial alpha found @ [PLAIN]www.beyond-science.com[/URL]
  20. jimmy p

    Understanding Alpha Particle Bombardment: Scattering, Resonance, and Capture

    When alpha particles are fired at a nucleus (eg. like in the Rutherford experiment) do they actually collide with the nuclei if fired head on, or is it the repulsion of the protons in each that causes them to fly off in different directions? I ask because i have to work out the "path of...
  21. G

    Calculating Heat Projection Speed: [alpha] & Water

    To calculate the speed of heat projection we use the next formula: dQ/dt=A[alpha](T-To) what is does the [alpha] represents and what is the [alpha] of water?
  22. M

    Could We Reach Alpha Centauri in Just 132 Years with an Orion Drive?

    Using a VASIMR rocket, 1320 years of voyage are needed Using an Orion drive, the duration of the voyage is 132 years
  23. H

    Bombarment of beta particles against a alpha target

    How would you target and isolate a new particle when using beta particles against a alpha target (negative vs positive)? I know you would have to use a particle accelerator of somesort. I am interested in different particles that can be targeted using a particle accelerator.
  24. M

    Understanding Alpha Decay: An Explanation and Potential Risks

    I've searched the web madly, but I can't find a thorough explanation of alpha decay. When a nucleus is unstable, it emits a clump of 2 neutrons and 2 protons, and this is called an alpha particle. Is this right? As for the 2nd question. Why are alpha particles deadly if ingested? After...
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