Alpha particles are which of the following?

Alpha particles are which of the following?

• A. Gas particles
• B. Ionizing radiation like x rays
• C. Particles with weight and mass
• D. Deadly radiation

Answer: (C)

Alpha particles are heavy, positively charged atomic nuclei emitted by some radioactive decays. They are essentially helium-4 nuclei—two protons and two neutrons. Because they are matter, they have mass (and, under gravity, weight). That mass distinguishes them from forms of radiation like X-rays, which are massless photons. They are not gas particles. While alpha radiation can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested, externally it is blocked easily and isn’t simply described as deadly radiation. So the best description is that alpha particles are particles with weight and mass.

Alpha particles are heavy, positively charged atomic nuclei emitted by some radioactive decays. They are essentially helium-4 nuclei—two protons and two neutrons. Because they are matter, they have mass (and, under gravity, weight). That mass distinguishes them from forms of radiation like X-rays, which are massless photons. They are not gas particles. While alpha radiation can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested, externally it is blocked easily and isn’t simply described as deadly radiation. So the best description is that alpha particles are particles with weight and mass.