Question

Which of the following statements are correct regarding the alpha particles used in the Rutherford's model?

• A. Alpha particles are negatively charged species
• B. Alpha particles are positively charged species
• C. Alpha particles emitted by radioactive elements are used
• D. Alpha particles are electrically neutral

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

Alpha particles emitted by radioactive elements are used

Alpha particles are nothing but helium nucleus.
When electrons are removed from a helium atom, only two protons are left in its nucleus which makes it positively charged. The alpha particles emmited from radioactive elements are used in Rutherford's experiment.