| There can thus be no doubt that the alpha particle becomes a helium atom when its positive charge is neutralized. |
| An alpha particle is a heavy nucleon, which is actually the nucleus of a helium atom. |
| The neutron is a better hammer than the alpha particle for smashing nuclei. |
| Because the alpha particle with two protons and two neutrons is especially cohesive, the release of nuclear material is often in this form. |
| The alpha particle is emitted by certain radioactive elements as they decay to a stable element. |
| The bombarding particle may be an alpha particle, a gamma-ray photon, a neutron, a proton, or a heavy ion. |
