Question

Which subatomic particle - proton, neutron or electron - is equivalent to a β ray? β rays are deflected to a greater extent than α rays because (a) they are lighter, or (b) they are more highly charged

Answer 1

Beta particles are equivalent to β rays and are high-speed electrons with a charge option (b) of -1. They are deflected more in an electric field than alpha particles due to their lower mass. Beta decay involves a neutron transforming into a proton and an electron, with the electron being ejected as the beta particle.

Step-by-step explanation:

Beta particles are equivalent to a β ray, which are essentially high-speed electrons. These particles carry an atomic number of -1, and a charge of -1, and are considered to have negligible mass. The β ray, or beta particle, is deflected to a greater extent than alpha rays because it is lighter, and has a lower mass-to-charge ratio.

In an electric field, beta particles are deflected toward a positive charge due to their negative charge. Studies in beta decay show that a beta particle is formed when a neutron in the nucleus transforms into a proton and an electron; the electron is then ejected as the beta particle. This process results in an increase to the atomic number by one, while the mass number remains unchanged.

However, beta particles do not have the penetrating power of gamma rays, which are uncharged and can pass through more substantial barriers. Beta particles can penetrate thin sheets of metal but are absorbed by lead foil, compared to alpha particles which can be stopped by just a sheet of paper.