
The composition of an alpha particle can be expressed as
A. \[1{\rm{ }}P + 1{\rm{ }}N\]
B. \[1{\rm{ }}P + 2{\rm{ }}N\]
C. \[2{\rm{ }}P + 1{\rm{ }}N\]
D. \[2{\rm{ }}P + 2{\rm{ }}N\]
Answer
161.4k+ views
Hint: In the given question, we need to determine the composition of an alpha particle. For this, we have to use the configuration of doubly ionised helium atoms. Using this configuration, we will determine the number of protons and neutrons present in an alpha particle.
Complete step by step solution:
We know that an alpha particle is a doubly ionised helium atom.
So, its electronic configuration is \[{}_2H{e^4}\].
Here, \[He\] stands for helium atom.
Based on this configuration, we can say that there are two protons.
Also, the number of neutrons is given by
Neutrons \[ = 4 - 2 = 2\]
Thus, an alpha particle contains two protons and two neutrons.
Hence, the composition of an alpha particle can be expressed as \[2{\rm{ }}P + 2{\rm{ }}N\].
Therefore, the correct option is D.
Additional Information: When some radionuclides undergo an event known as alpha-decay, they release these particles from their nuclei. A doubly ionised helium atom, which has an atomic mass of four, is equivalent to the nucleus of an alpha particle. The first type of nuclear radiation to be recognised was alpha particles, often known as alpha radiation or alpha rays. Beta particles and gamma rays followed shortly after.
Note: Many students may make mistakes in writing the configuration of helium atoms. If so, then we can’t get the correct composition of an alpha particle. So, it is essential to write the configuration correctly to determine the number of protons and neutrons present in an alpha particle.
Complete step by step solution:
We know that an alpha particle is a doubly ionised helium atom.
So, its electronic configuration is \[{}_2H{e^4}\].
Here, \[He\] stands for helium atom.
Based on this configuration, we can say that there are two protons.
Also, the number of neutrons is given by
Neutrons \[ = 4 - 2 = 2\]
Thus, an alpha particle contains two protons and two neutrons.
Hence, the composition of an alpha particle can be expressed as \[2{\rm{ }}P + 2{\rm{ }}N\].
Therefore, the correct option is D.
Additional Information: When some radionuclides undergo an event known as alpha-decay, they release these particles from their nuclei. A doubly ionised helium atom, which has an atomic mass of four, is equivalent to the nucleus of an alpha particle. The first type of nuclear radiation to be recognised was alpha particles, often known as alpha radiation or alpha rays. Beta particles and gamma rays followed shortly after.
Note: Many students may make mistakes in writing the configuration of helium atoms. If so, then we can’t get the correct composition of an alpha particle. So, it is essential to write the configuration correctly to determine the number of protons and neutrons present in an alpha particle.
Recently Updated Pages
JEE Main 2021 July 25 Shift 1 Question Paper with Answer Key

JEE Main 2021 July 22 Shift 2 Question Paper with Answer Key

Young's Double Slit Experiment Step by Step Derivation

JEE Electricity and Magnetism Important Concepts and Tips for Exam Preparation

JEE Energetics Important Concepts and Tips for Exam Preparation

JEE Isolation, Preparation and Properties of Non-metals Important Concepts and Tips for Exam Preparation

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2025 Session 2: Application Form (Out), Exam Dates (Released), Eligibility, & More

JEE Main 2025: Derivation of Equation of Trajectory in Physics

Electric Field Due to Uniformly Charged Ring for JEE Main 2025 - Formula and Derivation

Electric field due to uniformly charged sphere class 12 physics JEE_Main

Displacement-Time Graph and Velocity-Time Graph for JEE

Uniform Acceleration

Other Pages
JEE Advanced Marks vs Ranks 2025: Understanding Category-wise Qualifying Marks and Previous Year Cut-offs

JEE Advanced 2025: Dates, Registration, Syllabus, Eligibility Criteria and More

JEE Advanced Weightage 2025 Chapter-Wise for Physics, Maths and Chemistry

Degree of Dissociation and Its Formula With Solved Example for JEE

Free Radical Substitution Mechanism of Alkanes for JEE Main 2025

If a wire of resistance R is stretched to double of class 12 physics JEE_Main
