What is alpha radiation composed of?

Alpha radiation is composed of two protons and two neutrons, which collectively form a helium nucleus. When an atom undergoes alpha decay, it emits this particle, which leads to a reduction in the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4. This characteristic composition of alpha particles makes them heavier and positively charged, which is why they have a limited penetration ability compared to other types of radiation, such as beta or gamma radiation. The correct understanding of alpha particles is crucial in fields such as nuclear physics and radiological safety, as it helps in assessing how materials interact with different types of radiation. Other choices do not accurately reflect the makeup of an alpha particle, which is specifically defined as containing two protons and two neutrons.