Why do alpha particles have a 2+ charge if they have helium's electron configuration?

[Thevanquished]

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?

 

[Doc Al]

An alpha particle is the nucleus of a helium atom without the electrons.

 

[Thevanquished]

oh really? i thought an alpha particle is also a 24He

 

[ideasrule]

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.