What charge do alpha particles carry?

Alpha particles carry a charge of two plus. This charge is due to the composition of the alpha particle itself, which is made up of two protons and two neutrons. Since protons carry a positive charge and neutrons are neutral, the presence of two protons results in an overall charge of +2 for the alpha particle.

In contrast, options that suggest no charge, one plus charge, or a negative charge do not accurately reflect the fundamental nature of alpha particles. An alpha particle does not have a neutral charge due to its protons, nor does it simply carry a single positive charge or a negative charge, which are both inconsistent with its physical and nuclear properties.

Understanding the charge of alpha particles is important, especially in the context of radioactive decay and nuclear reactions, where they play a significant role in the behavior of atoms and their interactions.