To determine which isotope an alpha particle is referred to as a nucleus of, we need to compare the properties of an alpha particle with the isotopes listed in the table.
Given that each alpha particle has:
- 2 protons
- 2 neutrons
- 0 electrons
We need to match this with the values in the table for the isotopes.
Let's examine each given isotope:
1. Lithium-7:
- Atomic Number: 3 (3 protons)
- Number of Neutrons: 4
- This does not match as it has 3 protons and 4 neutrons, while an alpha particle has 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
2. Helium-4:
- Atomic Number: 2 (2 protons)
- Number of Neutrons: 2
- This matches perfectly as it has 2 protons and 2 neutrons, just like an alpha particle.
3. Hydrogen-2:
- Atomic Number: 1 (1 proton)
- Number of Neutrons: 1
- This does not match as it has 1 proton and 1 neutron, while an alpha particle has 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
4. Helium-2:
- Atomic Number: 2 (2 protons)
- Number of Neutrons: 0
- This does not match as it has 2 protons and 0 neutrons, while an alpha particle has 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
Based on the comparisons, the isotope that matches the properties of an alpha particle is Helium-4, which has 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
Therefore, an alpha particle is also referred to as a nucleus of Helium-4.
