Problem 10 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

Give the symbol for (a) a proton, (b) a beta particle, (c) a positron.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) Proton: \(p\) or \(p^+\) (b) Beta Particle: \(\beta\) or \(e\) (c) Positron: \(e^+\) or \(\beta^+\)

Step 1: (a) Symbol for a Proton)

A proton is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, with a positive charge. Its symbol is denoted by \( p^+ \) or simply \( p \).

Step 2: (b) Symbol for a Beta Particle)

A beta particle is an electron (or positron) emitted during a nuclear decay process called beta decay. There are two types of beta particles: 1. Beta-minus (\( \beta^- \)): an electron with a negative charge, denoted by \( e^- \). 2. Beta-plus (\( \beta^+ \)): a positron with a positive charge (the electron's antiparticle), denoted by \( e^+ \). In this case, as we are asked for a beta particle and not specifically a beta-minus or beta-plus, we can write the symbol as \( \beta \) or \( e \) without specifying the charge.

Step 3: (c) Symbol for a Positron)

A positron is the antiparticle of the electron, with a positive charge. It is also sometimes referred to as a beta-plus particle. Its symbol is denoted by \( e^+ \) or \( \beta^+ \).