Question

Give the symbol for (a) a proton, (b) a beta particle, (c) a positron.

Short answer

\( (a) p^+ \text{ or } p, (b) \beta^- \text{ or } e^-, \beta^+ \text{ or } e^+, (c) e^+ \text{ or } \beta^+ \)

Step-by-step solution

(a) Symbol for a Proton

A proton is a subatomic particle with a positive charge. The symbol for a proton is denoted by \(p^+\) or simply \(p\).

(b) Symbol for a Beta Particle

A beta particle can be either a high-energy electron or a high-energy positron. Therefore, there are two types of beta particles: 1. Beta-minus (\(\beta^-\)) particle: This is a high-energy electron and is denoted as \(e^-\) or simply as \(\beta^-\). 2. Beta-plus (\(\beta^+\)) particle: This is a high-energy positron and is denoted as \(e^+\) or simply as \(\beta^+\).

(c) Symbol for a Positron

A positron is a subatomic particle with a positive charge and is the antiparticle of the electron. The symbol for a positron is denoted by \(e^+\) or, in the context of a beta particle, \(\beta^+\).