ASNT Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Practice Test

What type of charge do beta particles possess?

1. No charge

2. Positive charge

3. Negative charge

4. Both positive and negative charge

The correct answer is: Negative charge

Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed particles that are emitted during radioactive decay. They come in two types: beta-minus and beta-plus. Beta-minus particles are electrons, which have a negative charge. On the other hand, beta-plus particles are positrons, which carry a positive charge. In the context of the question, the primary focus is typically on beta-minus particles, which are much more common in industrial radiography applications. Since the question refers to beta particles in a general sense, the correct answer indicates that beta particles, particularly the ones most relevant in safety contexts, possess a negative charge due to their nature as high-energy electrons. Understanding this is crucial for recognizing how these particles interact with matter and their safety implications in radiography practices.