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On Wed, 12 Nov 1997, Ted wrote:

> i only have an undergrad chem degree, but i believe thet helium is
> produced by the atomic decay of uranium
> 1 atom of helium = 1 alpha particle (same thing)

This is not correct.

An alpha particle is a proton.  A proton is ionized hydrogen. Helium has
two protons and two electrons, and is usually found as a diatomic
molecule, ie two helium atoms stuck together. 

Helium is still a by product of atomic decay, as is hydrogen.

The origional source of helium is atomic fusion (combining hydrogen
atoms).

-Andrew
andrew@ce*.co*.jp*


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