What kind of charge do alpha particles have?

Alpha particles are indeed positively charged. This is because an alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, which together form a helium nucleus. The presence of the two protons gives the alpha particle a positive charge, since protons carry a positive electrical charge while neutrons are electrically neutral.

This positive charge is significant in the context of radiation safety and industrial radiography because it influences how alpha particles interact with other matter. For instance, alpha particles have a relatively low penetration power compared to other types of radiation due to their charge and mass. They can be stopped by a sheet of paper or even human skin, which needs to be taken into account when implementing safety measures in environments where alpha-emitting materials are present.

Overall, recognizing the nature of an alpha particle's charge is crucial for understanding its behavior and potential impact in radiation safety practices.