What is the Difference Between Electron and Beta Particle?

The main difference between an electron and a beta particle lies in their charge and origin. Here are the key differences:

1. Charge: Electrons have a negative charge, while beta particles can have either a positive or negative charge. A negatively charged beta particle is identical to an electron, and a positively charged beta particle is called a positron.
2. Origin: Electrons are elementary particles that reside near the atomic nucleus in stable atoms, whereas beta particles are emitted from the nucleus of unstable atoms during radioactive decay. Beta particles are emitted with a continuous range of energies up to a maximum characteristic of each radionuclide.

In summary, electrons are negatively charged particles found in stable atoms, while beta particles can have either a positive or negative charge and are emitted from unstable atoms during radioactive decay.

Comparative Table: Electron vs Beta Particle

The main difference between an electron and a beta particle lies in their charge. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two:

• Charge: Electrons are negatively charged, while beta particles can be either positively or negatively charged.
• Mass: Both electrons and beta particles have negligible masses.
• Location: Electrons are typically found outside the atomic nucleus, while beta particles are emitted from the nucleus during the beta decay process.