Which of the following describes a Beta particle?

A Beta particle is best described as a high-speed electron. In the context of radioactivity, Beta particles are emitted during the decay of certain types of radioactive nuclei. Specifically, when a neutron in the nucleus of an atom decays, it can transform into a proton, which remains within the nucleus, and emits a Beta particle, which is the high-speed electron. This process is known as Beta decay.

The term "Beta particle" encompasses not only the negative electron emitted but also, in the case of positive Beta decay, a positron, which is the antimatter counterpart of an electron. However, the more common reference for Beta particles in this context is to the high-speed electron emitted during the decay of an unstable nucleus.

Understanding this concept is crucial, as Beta particles play a significant role in the study of nuclear reactions and radiation, impacting various fields from medical applications, like radiation therapy in cancer treatment, to understanding the behavior of radioactive materials in physics.