Which of the following radiations emitted in radioactive decay has momentum, a fairly high penetrating power and is deflected by a magnet?
alpha particles
beta particle
gamma radiation
X-radiation
Correct answer is B
β Particles are equivalent to electrons but arise from radioactive decay of unstable atoms. They are emitted with a continuous range of energies up to a maximum that is characteristic of each radionuclide. Electrons have a greater range and penetrating power, but much less ionizing potential compared with α particles.
Beta particles are deflected by a magnetic field in an opposite direction to alpha particles confirming they must hold a charge opposite to alpha particles.