Alpha particles possess which type of electric charge?

Alpha particles possess a positive electric charge. They are composed of two protons and two neutrons, which are the same as a helium nucleus. Since protons carry a positive charge and neutrons are neutral, the overall charge of an alpha particle is positive.

Understanding the nature of alpha particles is crucial in fields related to radiation and health physics, particularly in assessing the risks associated with radioactive materials. Alpha particles are not only significant in terms of their charge but also in their interaction with matter, as they can cause ionization within substances they encounter due to their charged nature. Knowing that alpha particles are positively charged helps in understanding their behavior in electric and magnetic fields, as well as their biological effects when interacting with living tissues.