The Capture of Electrons by Swiftly Moving Alpha Particles

Abstract

THE swiftly moving α - particle produces a large number of ions in its passage through a gas, as is evidenced by the beautiful Wilson photographs of α-ray tracks. It is a matter of some surprise that at the act of ionising a molecule, or immediately after, the α-particle does not attach one or more of the free electrons to itself. The approach is very near and the force is that due to a double charge.