Understanding the Charge on Alpha Particles

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SUMMARY

An alpha particle is defined as the nucleus of a helium atom, specifically represented as 4He, and carries a 2+ charge due to the absence of electrons. This charge arises because an alpha particle consists solely of two protons and two neutrons, lacking the two electrons that would normally balance the positive charge of the protons. The discussion clarifies that in nuclear reactions, the focus is on the nucleus, rendering valence electrons irrelevant to the charge of the alpha particle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic structure, specifically protons and neutrons
  • Familiarity with nuclear reactions and their principles
  • Knowledge of electron configurations and their role in atomic charge
  • Basic comprehension of helium isotopes, particularly 4He
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and behavior of alpha particles in nuclear physics
  • Study the differences between alpha particles and helium atoms
  • Explore the role of electrons in atomic stability and charge balance
  • Investigate various types of nuclear reactions and their implications
USEFUL FOR

Students of nuclear physics, educators teaching atomic structure, and anyone interested in the fundamentals of nuclear reactions and particle physics.

Thevanquished
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Just wondering, why does the alpha particle which is basically just a helium atom have a 2+ charge on it when you write it although the electronic configuration of the alpha particle is exactly the same as a helium atom?
 
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An alpha particle is the nucleus of a helium atom without the electrons.
 
oh really? i thought an alpha particle is also a 24He
 
Thevanquished said:
oh really? i thought an alpha particle is also a 24He

The word "alpha particle" is usually used in relation to nuclear reactions, and nuclear reactions don't involve valence electrons. They're much too far away to matter.
 
Thread 'Colors in a plasma globe'

Thread 'Colors in a plasma globe'

I have a common plasma globe with blue streamers and orange pads at both ends. The orange light is emitted by neon and the blue light is presumably emitted by argon and xenon. Why are the streamers blue while the pads at both ends are orange? A plasma globe's electric field is strong near the central electrode, decreasing with distance, so I would not expect the orange color at both ends.
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