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The alpha-particle carries two positive charges. Its mass is very nearly equal to that of
Explanation
An alpha particle is composed of two protons and two neutrons and is essentially the helium-4 nucleus (written 4He2+); in nature an alpha particle exists as the nucleus of a helium atom [2]. Because it is simply the helium nucleus missing the two bound electrons, its mass is very nearly that of a neutral helium atom — the only significant difference is the mass of the two electrons and the small nuclear binding (mass defect). Thus option 2 is correct. Options 1 and 4 ignore the two neutrons present in the alpha particle, and option 3 is incorrect because positrons (antielectrons) are not constituents of an alpha particle.
Sources
- [1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/elementary-particle
- [2] https://www.uomustansiriyah.edu.iq/media/lectures/6/6_2025_03_16!12_08_25_AM.pdf
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