An alpha particle is also referred to as the nucleus of which isotope?

• A. Helium-4
• B. Oxygen-16
• C. Carbon-12
• D. Hydrogen-1

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that an alpha particle is a type of ionizing radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons bound together.
2. Recognize that the nucleus of an alpha particle corresponds to the nucleus of a specific isotope with 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
3. Identify the isotope with 2 protons and 2 neutrons, which is Helium-4 (\$^4\mathrm{He}\$).
4. Understand that Oxygen-16, Carbon-12, and Hydrogen-1 have different numbers of protons and neutrons and therefore do not correspond to an alpha particle.
5. Conclude that the alpha particle is the nucleus of the Helium-4 isotope.