Who Discovered Alpha Radiation? | Ernest Rutherford's Breakthrough

Learn about Ernest Rutherford's discovery of alpha radiation and its impact on atomic science in 1899.

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Ernest Rutherford is credited with the discovery of alpha radiation in 1899. By studying the radiation emitted from uranium, Rutherford identified alpha particles, which are helium nuclei. This discovery significantly advanced the understanding of radioactive decay and the structure of the atom.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What are alpha particles? Alpha particles are helium nuclei, consisting of two protons and two neutrons, emitted during radioactive decay.
  2. What significance did Rutherford's discovery have? Rutherford’s discovery of alpha radiation advanced the understanding of atomic structure and led to further research in nuclear physics.
  3. In what year did Rutherford discover alpha radiation? Ernest Rutherford discovered alpha radiation in 1899.
  4. How did alpha radiation contribute to atomic science? Alpha radiation provided insights into atomic decay processes and the structure of atoms, paving the way for modern nuclear physics.