Which particle is associated with beta decay?

Study for the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Middle Grades Science (OAE 029) with engaging flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you prepare effectively for your exam.

Beta decay is a process in nuclear physics where a neutron in an unstable nucleus is transformed into a proton while emitting a beta particle. The beta particle can be either an electron or a positron, depending on whether it's beta-minus or beta-plus decay. In the case of beta-minus decay, the particle emitted is represented by 0/-1 e, which is an electron with a negative charge. This particle is crucial in balancing the nuclear equation during this decay process as it accounts for the loss of a negative charge when a neutron is converted into a proton.

Other particles listed, such as 4/2 He (which refers to an alpha particle), γ (which denotes gamma radiation), and 2/1 H (which represents deuterium, an isotope of hydrogen), are not related to beta decay. They pertain to different types of nuclear processes or characteristics and do not involve the transformation of neutrons to protons through the emission of electrons as seen in beta decay. Thus, the presence of the beta particle 0/-1 e clearly identifies it as the particle associated with beta decay.

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