Exams › SSC CGL (Prelims) › General

What does an alpha particle represent in alpha decay?

1. Hydrogen
2. Helium
3. Lithium
4. Deuterium

Correct answer: Helium

Solution

An alpha particle is essentially a helium nucleus, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. That is why alpha decay reduces the atomic number by 2 and mass number by 4.

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