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The alpha particle is the nucleus of 4He, comprising two neutrons and two protons. It has a Atomic Mass of 4 and a charge of +2. As a result, it is the least penetrating of all the various emissions (alpha, beta, gamma, neutron) but, unfortunately, it can be the most devastating if it is absorbed, for instance, into the lungs.

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What 4 particles make up an alpha particle?

An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons bound together. It is essentially a helium-4 nucleus.


Which naturally occurring radioactive particle is the largest?

Alpha particles are the same size as a helium nucleus and are made up of 2 protons and two neutrons. They have no electrons so an alpha particle has a +2 charge


Why is an alpha particle sometimes referred to as a helium nucleus?

An alpha particle is made up of two protons and two neutrons; this is what a helium nucleus is made up of as well.


How do the mass and size of an alpha particle compare with mass and size of beta particle?

The mass and size of an alpha particle compare with the masa and size of beta particle in the sense that the alpha particle is significantly larger in both size and mass that the beta and gamma particles. This is why it is called the alpha particle.


What particle is identical to an alpha particle?

The nucleus of a helium-4 atom is an alpha particle. When an alpha particle, which is two protons and two neutrons, is released in nuclear decay (alpha decay), it will zip out with a lot of kinetic energy. But it will quickly slow down and pick up a pair of electrons from the environment and "become" a 24He atom.


What is a radioactive particle that is made up of two protons and two neutron?

This is a alpha particle.


Which has the largest mass alpha particle gamma ray positron or beta particle?

The alpha particle is much more massive than a beta particle. A beta particle is an electron, which has very little mass. An alpha particle is a helium nucleus, and consists of two protons and two neutrons.


What is a radioactive particle that is made up of two neutrons and two protons?

Used by Rutherford in his experiment made of two protons and two neutrons are alpha particles. Rutherford discovered the nucleus using his gold foil experiment.


Is an alpha particle radioactive?

An alpha particle itself is not radioactive, but it is the result of a type of radioactive decay called (obviously) alpha decay. The alpha particle is actually a helium-4 nucleus, and it will eventually pick up a pair of electrons and become an atom of that inert or noble gas.


Why is an alpha particle attracted to a negative plate?

An alpha particle is made up of two protons and two neutrons, giving it a positive charge. As opposite charges attract, the positive charge of the alpha particle is attracted to the negative charge of the plate.


What is the fusion product of the reaction of an alpha particle with Ne-20?

Look up the atomic number of Neon, add 2 to that (since an alpha particle has two protons), and add 4 to the atomic mass (since the alpha particle has 4 mass units).


What two things are a alpha particle made up of?

Protons and Neutrons