A radioactive source emits particles that are deflected away from the positive plate in an electric field. Identify the particles being emitted.

Question

Please explain your answer.

 

Can someone please EXPLAIN how you get the answer? I am so lost and would greatly appreciate the help. 

Answer 1

In order for a particle to be deflected away from a positive plate, the particle must have a positive charge ("like" repels "like").  There are different positively-charged particles from radioactive decay, but the most likely answer to this question is alpha particles.  Alpha particles consist of two protons plus two neutrons (helium nucleii).  Each partcle has a 2+ charge.