Beta Particles are Electrons Flashcards
1
Q
What is a beta particle?
A
An electron which has been emitted from the nucleus of an atom when a neutron turns into a proton and an electron
2
Q
What happens when a beta particle is emitted?
A
The number of protons in the nucleus increases by 1
3
Q
Which number increases by 1 and which stays the same?
A
Mass number stays the same
Atomic number increases by 1
4
Q
How fast do they move?
A
Quite fast
5
Q
How big are they?
A
Quite small
6
Q
How far do they penetrate?
A
Moderately and moderately ionising too
7
Q
What happens because they’re charged negatively?
A
Beta particles are deflected by electric and magnetic fields
8
Q
What are they absorbed by?
A
Sheet of aluminium
