Question

An alpha particle is equivalent to a _____ nucleus.

Answer 1

Answer: B. helium

Explanation:

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.

General representation of an element is given as:$_Z^A\textrm{X}$ where,

Z represents Atomic number

A represents Mass number

X represents the symbol of an element

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

As the alpha particle has atomic number of 2 and mass number of 4, this is helium nuclei.

Answer 2

Alpha particle is equivalent to B. Helium atom (2 protons, 2 neutrons)