Question

Beta particles are essentially:
A.Neutrons
B.Protons
C.Electrons
D.Helium nuclei

Answer 1

Hint: Beta particles are the particles with very small atomic mass almost negligible. It has a charge equal to $$1.6\times {10}^{-19}\text{ C}$$. It has a negative charge.

Complete step by step answer:
Generally the beta particle is referred to as an electron emitted during the radioactive decay. When a neutron is converted into a proton then beta decay occurs and an electron is ejected. We can further classify beta decay as two types, beta positive decay and beta negative decay. Beta positive decay occurs when a proton is converted to a neutron. In beta negative decay a neutron is converted to a proton. In beta positively charged positrons, an emitted and in beta negative decay electron is emitted.

Hence, the correct option is C.

Additional information:
Radioactivity occurs due to the instability in the nucleus of an atom. It is defined as the emission of particles from the nuclei as a result of nuclear instability. The spontaneous decay of the atomic nucleus is known as radioactive decay. There are three most common radioactive decay which we encounter: Alpha decay, beta decay and Gamma decay. In Alpha decay occurs when a stable nucleus emits helium nuclei or Alpha particles. Alpha particles have mass number 4 and atomic number 2. It has two neutrons and two protons in its nucleus. Gamma particles are emitted when Nuclei moves into lower energy from high energy. A Photon is ejected that is known as the Gamma ray.

Note:
We have both pros and cons of radioactivity. Gamma rays are used to kill cancer cells, to destroy carcinogenic cells. These are used for scanning the body. It is also used to determine the age of Rock and wood. The disadvantages include that the radioactive isotopes are expensive prolonged usage or interaction with radioactive substances might even lead to death.