An ________ particle is a helium nucleus, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons (without the electrons).

Question

Fill in the statement:

An ________ particle is a helium nucleus, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons (without the electrons).

A. Beta

B. Alpha

C. Omega

D. Positron

Answer 1

b, alpha particle He²⁺ is the symbol for a helium atom stripped of its 2 electrons. ^

Answer 2

B. Alpha particle

Alpha decay is a nuclear decay and occurs when a nucleus emits an alpha particle. The daughter nucleus of alpha decay will have an atomic number 2 less and mass number 4 less than the parent nucleus. To understand alpha decay in more depth, it's important to consider the structure of the alpha particle itself. An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons bound together, which gives it a helium-4 nucleus. This emission of an alpha particle from a nucleus can be understood in the context of nuclear stability and the balancing of forces within the nucleus.