What is the Difference Between Helium Atom and Alpha Particle?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a helium atom and an alpha particle lies in their composition and charge:
- Helium Atom: A helium atom consists of two protons, two neutrons, and two electrons. It is a stable and unreactive chemical species.
- Alpha Particle: An alpha particle is identical to a helium atom that has been stripped of its two electrons. As a result, it has a charge of +2 and can be represented as He^2+. Alpha particles are a highly ionizing form of particle radiation and have a low penetration capacity.
In summary:
- Helium atoms have 2 protons, 2 neutrons, and 2 electrons, making them stable and unreactive.
- Alpha particles have 2 protons and 2 neutrons, with a charge of +2, making them highly ionizing and less penetrating than helium atoms.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Helium Atom and Alpha Particle? Comparative Table: Helium Atom vs Alpha Particle
Comparative Table: Helium Atom vs Alpha Particle
The main difference between a helium atom and an alpha particle is that a helium atom has two electrons, while an alpha particle does not. Here is a table comparing the two:
Property | Helium Atom | Alpha Particle |
---|---|---|
Protons | 2 | 2 |
Neutrons | 2 | 2 |
Electrons | 2 | 0 |
Stability | Stable | Unstable, Reactive |
Electron Configuration | 1s^2 | - |
A helium atom is a stable, inert noble gas with two protons, two neutrons, and two electrons in its electron shell. In contrast, an alpha particle is essentially the nucleus of a helium atom, consisting of two protons and two neutrons, but without any electrons. Due to the absence of electrons, alpha particles have a net positive charge of +2. They are highly reactive and energetic, while helium atoms are unreactive and stable.
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