Question

What is the relative charge for each of the following? (a) \(\alpha\) (b) \(\beta^{-}\) (c) \(\gamma\) (d) \(\beta^{+}\) (e) \(\mathrm{n}^{0}\) (f) \(\mathrm{P}^{+}\)

Short answer

(a) +2, (b) -1, (c) 0, (d) +1, (e) 0, (f) +1.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Problem

In this exercise, we are asked to determine the relative charge of different particles: alpha (\(\alpha\)), beta minus (\(\beta^{-}\)), gamma (\(\gamma\)), beta plus (\(\beta^{+}\)), neutron (\(\mathrm{n}^{0}\)), and proton (\(\mathrm{P}^{+}\)). The charge is expressed relative to the elementary charge, which has a value of \(+1\) for protons and \(-1\) for electrons.

Identifying Alpha Particle Charge

The alpha particle (\(\alpha\)) consists of two protons and two neutrons, so its charge is equal to the charge of two protons, which is \(+2\).

Identifying Beta Minus Particle Charge

A beta minus particle (\(\beta^{-}\)) is an electron, which carries a charge of \(-1\).

Identifying Gamma Photon Charge

A gamma photon (\(\gamma\)) is a type of electromagnetic radiation and has no charge, so its relative charge is \(0\).

Identifying Beta Plus Particle Charge

A beta plus particle (\(\beta^{+}\)) is a positron, the antimatter counterpart of an electron, which has a charge of \(+1\).

Identifying Neutron Charge

A neutron (\(\mathrm{n}^{0}\)) is a neutral particle with no charge, so its relative charge is \(0\).

Identifying Proton Charge

A proton (\(\mathrm{P}^{+}\)) carries a positive charge, which is \(+1\).

Key concepts

Alpha Particle

An alpha particle is a type of nuclear particle, consisting of two protons and two neutrons. It is often associated with alpha decay, a common form of radioactive decay. Due to its composition of two protons, an alpha particle carries a positive charge of \(+2\). This charge results from the combined charge of the two protons, as each proton has a charge of \(+1\). Alpha particles are relatively massive compared to other subatomic particles, which makes them less penetrating but quite effective in ionizing atoms in their path, leading to their use in applications such as smoke detectors.

Beta Minus Particle

A beta minus particle, known as \(\beta^{-}\), is essentially an electron emitted from a decaying neutron. When a neutron transforms into a proton within an atomic nucleus, it releases an electron and an antineutrino. This emitted electron is the beta minus particle and carries a charge of \(-1\). Beta minus particles are pivotal in the process of beta decay, allowing unstable nuclei to reach a more stable state by converting a neutron into a proton, thus changing the element's atomic number.

Gamma Photon

Gamma photons, represented by \(\gamma\), are high-energy electromagnetic waves often released during nuclear reactions or radioactive decay. Unlike alpha and beta particles, gamma photons have no mass and no electrical charge. This means they have a relative charge of \(0\). Despite lacking charge, gamma photons possess significant penetrating power, able to traverse various materials that stop other radiation types. They are commonly employed in medical treatments and sterilization processes due to their ability to kill bacteria and cancerous cells effectively.

Beta Plus Particle

A beta plus particle, or \(\beta^{+}\), is a positron. This particle is the antimatter version of an electron, possessing the same mass but with a positive charge of \(+1\). During a process called beta plus decay, a proton in an unstable nucleus transforms into a neutron, releasing a positron and a neutrino. The emission of a positron allows the atom to reach a lower energy state, changing the element's atomic number. Beta plus particles are used notably in positron emission tomography (PET) scans in the medical field, where they help in imaging processes.

Neutron Charge

Neutrons, symbolized by \(\mathrm{n}^{0}\), are neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom alongside protons. Unlike protons and electrons, neutrons do not carry any electrical charge, thus their relative charge is \(0\). The lack of charge makes neutrons very effective at penetrating materials, as they are not repelled by the charge of the atomic electrons or nuclei. Neutron behavior is crucial in nuclear fission and fusion reactions, where they trigger and sustain chain reactions in nuclear reactors and stars.

Proton Charge

Protons are denoted by \(\mathrm{P}^{+}\) and are positively charged particles located in the atomic nucleus. Each proton carries a fundamental charge of \(+1\), playing a critical role in defining the atomic number, which determines the identity of an element. The positive charge of protons attracts negatively charged electrons, holding together the structure of the atom. Protons are integral in chemical reactions and bond formation, directly influencing the behavior and interaction of elements in various chemical processes.