Question

What is the radius of an ( alpha ) particle?

a) (1.23 times 10⁻¹⁵) m
b) (2.45 times 10⁻¹⁵) m
c) (5.30 times 10⁻¹⁶) m
d) (8.67 times 10⁻¹⁶) m

Answer 1

The radius of an alpha particle is on the order of 1.6 to 2.0 femtometers, and the closest given choice is 2.45 × 10⁻¹⁵ m, which is a reasonable approximation typically used in physics calculations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is related to the size of an alpha particle. Alpha particles are helium-4 nuclei, which consist of two protons and two neutrons.

The size of an alpha particle is typically on the order of femtometers (10⁻¹⁵ meters). Although the exact radius is not one of the options provided, a reasonable estimate for the radius of an alpha particle based on empirical data is approximately 1.6 to 2.0 femtometers (fm).

However, since none of the provided options match this range, if the alpha particle's radius is represented in one of the choices, option b) (2.45 × 10⁻¹⁵ m) would be the most sensible approximation among the given choices and this would typically be used for simplifying physics calculations.