Question

Identify the correct statement regarding an alpha particle.

• A. Alpha particles are negatively charged species.
• B. Alpha particles are positively charged species.
• C. Alpha particle = Helium nucleus
• D. Alpha particles are electrically neutral.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

The correct options are
B

Alpha particles are positively charged species.

C

Alpha particle = Helium nucleus

Alpha particles are nothing but helium nucleus. When electrons are removed from helium atom, only two protons are left in its nucleus which makes it positively charged. The same alpha particles are used in Rutherford's experiment in which we study that the alpha particles are repelled by the nucleus. This again proves that alpha particles are positively charged.