Bioenvironmental Engineering Apprentice (BEA) Block 7 – Ionizing Radiation Practice Test

Alpha particles carry what charge?

Neutral. Positive charge. Negative charge. Variable charge.

Correct Answer:

Positive charge.

Explanation:

Alpha particles are the nuclei of helium atoms, made of two protons and two neutrons. Protons carry positive electric charge while neutrons are neutral, so the total charge of the alpha particle is +2 elementary charges. This fixed positive charge explains why alpha particles ionize atoms very effectively as they pass through matter, yet have limited penetration and can be stopped by a sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air. Therefore, they carry a positive charge.

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