Question

The nucleus of an atom emits a particle. The particle is equal in size to a helium nucleus. What is this particle? A) an alpha particle

B) a beta particle
C) a Newton
D) a gamma ray

Answer 1

A) Alpha particle

Step-by-step explanation:

An alpha particle is identical to a helium nucleus, since consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.

The charge of an alpha particle is +2e and its mass is 4 a.m.u.

Alpha particles are produced in alpha decays. Alpha decays occur when a nucleus emits an alpha particle: as a result, the atomic number of the nucleus decreases by 2 units, while its mass number decays by 4 units.

The equation that represents an alpha decay is

`_Z^AX \rightarrow _(Z-2)^(A-4)Y+_2^4 \alpha`