Question

what do these symbols represent? alpha particle gamma ray beta particle neutron

Explanation:

The symbol \(^{4}_{2}\text{He}\) or \(^{4}_{2}\alpha\) represents an alpha particle. Alpha particles are composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, which is why the mass number (top number) is 4 (\(2 + 2\)) and the atomic number (bottom number) is 2 (number of protons). The notation \(^{4}_{2}\text{He}\) is used to show it is a helium nucleus (as helium has atomic number 2), and \(^{4}_{2}\alpha\) uses the symbol \(\alpha\) for alpha particle.

Answer:

alpha particle