Alpha Particle Charge: Is it 2x2.50x10^-21?

In summary, the charge of an alpha particle is equal to twice the charge of a proton, which is 1.60x10^-19 Coulombs.
  • #1
randomss444
17
0

Homework Statement



What is the charge of an alpha particle?

Charge of electron = 2.50x10^-21

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Would you have to multipy 2.50x10^-21 x 2 to get the charge?
 
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  • #2
randomss444 said:

The Attempt at a Solution


Would you have to multipy 2.50x10^-21 x 2 to get the charge?

The charge of an electron is 1.6x10-19C. Use that instead.
 
  • #3
randomss444 said:
Charge of electron = 2.50x10^-21
Where does that number come from and what are the units? I ask because I thought the charge of an electron is -1.602 x 10^-19 Coulombs.

randomss444 said:
What is the charge of an alpha particle?
An alpha particle is two protons and two neutrons. Only the protons have charge so...
 
  • #4
Okay the charge of the proton is 1.60x10^-19 C. What I am asking is what is the charge of an alpha particle. Do you have to multiple the charge by 2 because there are two protons? Or is the charge just 1.60x10^-19 C.


Thanks
 
  • #5
Yes, you would have to multiply by two.
 

1. What is an alpha particle charge?

An alpha particle is a type of nuclear radiation that consists of two protons and two neutrons. Therefore, it has a charge of +2.

2. How is the charge of an alpha particle measured?

The charge of an alpha particle is measured in Coulombs (C) or in multiples of the elementary charge (e). The charge of an alpha particle is equivalent to 2 elementary charges (2e).

3. Is the charge of an alpha particle always the same?

Yes, the charge of an alpha particle is always +2. This is because the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom is constant and cannot change without altering the identity of the element.

4. Why is the charge of an alpha particle written in scientific notation?

The charge of an alpha particle, 2x2.50x10^-21, is written in scientific notation because it is a very small number. Scientific notation is a more convenient way to write and compare extremely large or small numbers in scientific calculations.

5. How does the charge of an alpha particle compare to other types of particles?

The charge of an alpha particle is relatively large compared to other types of particles. For example, an electron has a charge of -1, and a proton has a charge of +1. This means that an alpha particle has twice the charge of a proton and four times the charge of an electron.

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