‘Superallowed’ alpha decay seen for the first time

Physicists have observed a rare form of alpha decay for the first time. According to Physics World, the discovery could deepen our understanding of how alpha particles form inside atomic nuclei. This 'superallowed' variety of alpha decay occurs when a nucleus ejects an alpha particle—the core of a helium atom—with minimal resistance. Researchers had predicted this process theoretically for years, but this is the first direct observation in a laboratory.

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