Can an Atom Exist Without Electrons?

[Helsingfors]

ZapperZ, I am doubtful about this. When you write the alpha particle, $^{4}_{2}He$, you'll see that two electrons are present as this compound is neutral and monoatomic. You'd be correct if this compound were a 2+ ion. Or is there something I don't know?

Surely the symbol you quoted refers to The overall number of Nucleons, and the fact that there are two protons, the rest being neutrons, hence 2 protons and 2 neutrons?

 

[oldphysicist]

I think it is a very trivial and useless question. Everyone I know considers an "atom" to be the bound state of a nucleus (Z) and some number of electrons. It is trivially obvious that bare nuclei can and DO exist, so if you want to call them atoms, go ahead!