Question

The alpha particles are

• A. high energy electrons
• B. positively charged hydrogen ions
• C. high energy X-ray radiations
• D. double positively charged helium nuclei

Hint:

Memorize the fundamental identities of the three main types of radioactive emissions: - \textbf{Alpha (\(\alpha\)):} Helium nucleus (\({^4_2He^{2+}}\)) - bulky and +2 charge. - \textbf{Beta (\(\beta\)):} Electron (\(e^-\)) - tiny and -1 charge. - \textbf{Gamma (\(\gamma\)):} Photon - massless and no charge.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Alpha particles (\(\alpha\)) are a type of ionizing radiation emitted during alpha decay, a form of radioactive decay. The identity of these particles is well-defined in nuclear physics.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the composition of an alpha particle and compare it to the options:
An alpha particle is identical to the nucleus of a helium-4 atom.
A helium-4 nucleus (\(^4_2He\)) contains 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
The 2 protons give it a positive charge of +2. The electrons of the helium atom are not part of the alpha particle.
Therefore, an alpha particle is a doubly positively charged helium nucleus.
Now let's check the given options:
High energy electrons are called beta particles (\(\beta^-\)).
Positively charged hydrogen ions are protons (\(p^+\)).
High energy X-ray radiations are high-energy photons, a form of electromagnetic radiation, not particles in this context.
Doubly positively charged helium nuclei is the correct definition of an alpha particle.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct description for alpha particles is doubly positively charged helium nuclei.