Question

If the atomic number of an element is \[Z\], what is the charge on its nucleus?

Options

• \[Ze\]

• \[2Ze\]

• \[2e\]

• \[Z/e\]

Answer 1

For an element with atomic number \[Z\], the nucleus has charge \[Ze\]. The alpha-particle has charge \[2e\] in the same scattering analysis.