An alpha particle is the nucleus of a helium atom, consisting of two protons and two neutrons, which gives it a 2+ charge due to the absence of electrons. While it shares the same atomic structure as a helium atom, the charge reflects its status in nuclear reactions rather than its electronic configuration. In nuclear processes, valence electrons are irrelevant, as they are too distant to influence the particle's charge. The term "alpha particle" is specifically associated with nuclear reactions, emphasizing its role as a charged nucleus. Understanding this distinction clarifies why alpha particles are represented with a 2+ charge.
