Question

Charge on a positron is equal to that of -------
(A) Proton
(B) Electron
(C) Nucleon
(D) Neutron

Answer 1

Hint: A positive electron is called a positron. A positron is emitted during a nuclear reaction by the release of a proton from the nucleus of a radioactive element. In positron emission, the number of protons decreases by one and the number of neutrons inside the nucleus remains unchanged.

Complete step by step answer:
A positron emission takes place when a proton inside a radioactive nucleus converts into a neutron and releases a positron and an electron neutrino. Because of the conversion of a proton into a neutron, the number of protons in the original element decreases by one, while the number of neutrons remains unchanged by releasing a neutron in the form of an electron neutrino.
As mentioned earlier, a positron is a positive electron, which means that the charge on a positron is equal to that of an electron, but positive in charge, unlike an electron. The charge on an electron is $-1.6\times 10^{-19}\ coulomb$. So, the charge on a positron will be just the same in magnitude but opposite in charge, i.e, $+1.6\times 10^{-19}\ coulomb$. The symbol for a positron is ${}^0_1e$.
If we remember, the charge on a proton is also the same in magnitude and opposite in charge of an electron. Therefore, the charge on a proton is $+1.6\times 10^{-19}\ coulomb$. As we see that the charge on a positron and a proton are identical, it can be said that the charge of a positron is equal to that of a proton.
The following reaction gives an example of a reaction releasing a positron and an electron neutrino $(v_e)$:
${}^{23}_{12}Mg\rightarrow {}^{23}_{11}Na + {}^0_1e + v_e$.

So, the correct answer is Option A.

Note: Proton – A proton is a positively charged particle present inside the nucleus of an atom with a charge of $+1.6\times 10^{-19}\ coulomb$.
Electron - An electron is a negatively charged particle present revolving around the nucleus of an atom in circular orbits, having a charge of $+1.6\times 10^{-19}\ coulomb$.
Nucleon – The total number of protons and neutrons present inside the nucleus of an atom are called nucleons.
Neutron – The neutral particles or the particles with no charge and only mass, present inside the nucleus of an atom are called neutrons.