Question

Select the true statements about alpha particles. Alpha particles have a nuclear charge of +1. Alpha particle formation is accompanied by the conversion of a neutron into a proton. Alpha particles have a mass number of 4. Alpha particle formation is accompanied by the conversion of a proton into a neutron.

Answer 1

Answer : The correct statement is, Alpha particles have a mass number of 4.

Explanation:

Alpha particle : It is also known as alpha radiation or alpha ray that consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons that are bound together into a particle that is identical to the helium nucleus. It is produced in the process of alpha decay.

Alpha decay : In this process, alpha particles is emitted when a heavier nuclei decays into lighter nuclei. The alpha particle released has a charge of +2 units.

The general representation of alpha decay reaction is:

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

Conversion of proton into neutron leads to releasing in positron.

Positron emission : It is defined as the emission process in which positron particle is emitted. In this process, a proton gets converted to neutron and an electron neutrino particle.

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

Conversion of neutron into proton leads to release in electron or beta particle.

Beta minus decay : It is a type of decay process, in which a neutrons gets converted to proton, an electron and anti-neutrino. In this the atomic mass number remains same.

The beta minus decay equation is represented as,

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

(A is the atomic mass number and Z is the atomic number)

From the given statements we conclude that, the statement alpha particles have a mass number of 4 is correct statement while the other statements are wrong of alpha particles.

Hence, the correct statement is, Alpha particles have a mass number of 4.