Thevanquished said:oh really? i thought an alpha particle is also a 24He
An alpha particle is a type of ionizing radiation that consists of two protons and two neutrons bound together. It is the same as a helium-4 nucleus.
An alpha particle has a charge of +2e, where e is the elementary charge (1.602 x 10^-19 coulombs).
The charge on an alpha particle makes it highly ionizing, meaning it can easily knock electrons off of atoms it comes into contact with. This can cause damage to biological cells and is used in radiation therapy to kill cancer cells.
The charge on an alpha particle is the highest among common types of radiation, including beta and gamma particles. This is because alpha particles have a relatively large mass and carry two positive charges, making them more likely to interact with matter.
No, the charge on an alpha particle is a fundamental property and cannot be altered. However, it can be shielded or absorbed by materials with high atomic numbers, such as lead or concrete.