Question

Which type of radiation particle, emitted from a nuclear reaction, is most similar to a helium nucleus?

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is alpha radiation.

Explanation:

For the given options:

Option 1: Alpha

Alpha decay is defined as the process in which alpha particle is emitted. In this process, a heavier nuclei decays into a lighter nuclei. The alpha particle released carries a charge of +2 units. The released alpha particle is also known as helium nucleus.

$_Z^A\textrm{X}\rightarrow _{Z-2}^{A-4}\textrm{Y}+_2^4\alpha$

Option 2: Beta

Beta decay is defined as the process in which beta particle is emitted. In this process, a neutron gets converted to a proton and an electron.  The released beta particle is also known as electron.

$_Z^A\textrm{X}\rightarrow _{Z+1}^A\textrm{Y}+_{-1}^0\beta$

Option 3: Gamma

Gamma decay is defined as the process in which an unstable nuclei gives off excess energy by a spontaneous electromagnetic process and thus releases $\gamma -radiations$. These radiations does not carry any charge and are electrically neutral.

$_Z^A\textrm{X}^*\rightarrow _Z^A\textrm{X}+_0^0\gamma$

Option 4: Isotope

Isotope is defined as the chemical specie which belong to the same element but differ in their molecular mass.

Hence, the correct answer is alpha radiation.

Answer 2

Alpha particles because two protons and two neutrons