Question

In a nuclear reaction, which of the following symbols can represent an alpha particle?

A. ^4 v2 α
B. ^0 v-1 β
C. ^0 vi e
D. ^4 v2 He

Answer 1

An alpha particle is symbolized by the Greek letter α and is composed of two protons and two neutrons, making it the same as a helium nucleus. When an element emits an alpha particle, its atomic number decreases by two and its mass number decreases by four.

Step-by-step explanation:

An alpha particle is symbolized by the Greek letter α and is composed of two protons and two neutrons, making it the same as a helium nucleus. The atomic symbol for an alpha particle is 4He. When an element emits an alpha particle, its atomic number decreases by two and its mass number decreases by four. For example, the alpha-particle emission of uranium-235 can be represented by the nuclear equation ^23592U → ^23190Th + ^42He.