What is the charge of an alpha particle in coulombs?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the charge of an alpha particle expressed in coulombs. An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, and the charge can be calculated based on the charge of a single proton.
Answer
3.2 × 10^-19 C
The charge of an alpha particle is +3.2 × 10^-19 C.
Answer for screen readers
The charge of an alpha particle is +3.2 × 10^-19 C.
More Information
An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, forming a helium-4 nucleus. Each proton has a charge of +1.6 × 10^-19 C, resulting in the total charge of the alpha particle being twice that, or +3.2 × 10^-19 C.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the charge of an alpha particle with the charge of a single proton. Note that an alpha particle has two protons.
Sources
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