MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTION What was the problem with the alpha particle when it was unsuccessfully used to break apart the nucleus? it was too big it had a positive charge it had a negative charge

## Step 1<br />The problem with the alpha particle when it was unsuccessfully used to break apart the nucleus is that it was too big. <br /><br />## Step 2<br />Alpha particles, which are helium nuclei, consist of two protons and two neutrons. This makes them relatively large and heavy compared to other subatomic particles.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />When attempting to use alpha particles to split the nucleus of an atom, their large size and mass posed a significant barrier. The nucleus is a dense and compact region at the center of an atom, and the large size of the alpha particle made it difficult to penetrate this dense region.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The positive charge of the alpha particle was not the issue, as the nucleus itself is positively charged. The challenge was not the charge but the size and mass of the alpha particle.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />The option stating that the alpha particle had a negative charge is incorrect. Alpha particles have a positive charge due to the presence of two protons.