Which symbol represents an alpha particle?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $9.99Unlock all

Study for the DAT Bootcamp General Chemistry Test. Enhance your skills with detailed questions and explanations. Master exam topics such as atomic structure, chemical reactions, and periodic trends. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which symbol represents an alpha particle?

Explanation:
Alpha particles are helium-4 nuclei, made of two protons and two neutrons. Their symbol encodes this: mass number 4 and atomic number 2, written as ₂⁴He. This particle carries a +2 charge and is emitted in alpha decay. The other symbols correspond to different particles: a neutron has no charge and mass number 1 (₀¹n); a hydrogen nucleus is a single proton (₁¹H); and an electron has a negative charge (−₁⁰e). Therefore the symbol representing an alpha particle is the helium-4 nucleus.

Alpha particles are helium-4 nuclei, made of two protons and two neutrons. Their symbol encodes this: mass number 4 and atomic number 2, written as ₂⁴He. This particle carries a +2 charge and is emitted in alpha decay. The other symbols correspond to different particles: a neutron has no charge and mass number 1 (₀¹n); a hydrogen nucleus is a single proton (₁¹H); and an electron has a negative charge (−₁⁰e). Therefore the symbol representing an alpha particle is the helium-4 nucleus.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy