Question

a. How are a beta particle and an electron similar? b. What symbols are used for beta particles? c. What is the source of a beta particle?

Short answer

A beta particle and an electron are similar in charge and mass. The symbols are \(\beta^{-}\) or \(e^{-}\). The source is the nucleus during radioactive decay.

Step-by-step solution

Similarities between a Beta Particle and an Electron

A beta particle and an electron are similar because they both have the same charge and mass. A beta particle is actually an electron that is emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay.

Symbols for Beta Particles

The symbols for beta particles are \(\beta^{-}\) or \(e^{-}\). These symbols denote a beta particle with a negative charge, which is the same as that of an electron.

Source of a Beta Particle

A beta particle originates from the nucleus of an atom undergoing beta decay. Specifically, it is emitted when a neutron in the nucleus transforms into a proton, while releasing an electron (beta particle) and an antineutrino.

Key concepts

beta decay

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable atomic nucleus transforms to become more stable. During this process, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton. This transformation results in the emission of a beta particle, which is essentially an electron. The process is often represented as follows:
- A neutron is converted into a proton. - An electron (beta particle) is emitted from the nucleus. - An antineutrino, a neutral particle with very little mass, is also emitted.
Beta decay helps atoms to stabilize by changing their neutron-to-proton ratio. The emitted beta particle, being an electron, leaves the nucleus due to its high energy.

electron

An electron is a subatomic particle with a negative charge, symbolized as \(e^{-}\) or \(\beta^{-}\). It has a very small mass, approximately 1/1836 of the mass of a proton. Electrons are fundamental components of all atoms, located in orbital shells around the atomic nucleus. They play a critical role in various physical and chemical processes, such as:
- Conducting electricity in solids. - Forming bonds between atoms through electron sharing. - Determining the chemical properties of elements.
In the context of beta decay, the emitted beta particle is identical to an electron in terms of charge and mass. However, unlike regular electrons found in atomic orbits, beta particles originate from the nucleus during radioactive decay.

radioactive decay

Radioactive decay is a natural process where unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. This radiation can include alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. There are three main types of radioactive decay:
- **Alpha decay**: emission of alpha particles (helium nuclei).- **Beta decay**: emission of beta particles (electrons or positrons).- **Gamma decay**: emission of gamma rays (high-energy photons).
Radioactive decay occurs spontaneously and helps unstable nuclei achieve a more stable state. The rate of decay is characterized by a property known as half-life, which is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. While dangerous in high doses, controlled radioactive decay has applications in medicine, industry, and scientific research.

neutron transformation

Neutron transformation is a key process in beta decay, where a neutron inside an atomic nucleus is converted to a proton. This transformation helps balance the forces within the nucleus, making it more stable. The transformation involves:
- One neutron changing into a proton.- Emission of a beta particle (electron).- Release of an antineutrino.
The process is governed by the weak nuclear force, one of the four fundamental forces of nature. Neutron transformation can be represented by the equation: \[ n \rightarrow p + e^{-} + \baru_{e} \]This means a neutron (n) turns into a proton (p), while emitting an electron (\(e^{-}\)), and an antineutrino (\(\baru_{e}\)). This process is essential for understanding nuclear reactions and the stability of different isotopes.