American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Radiographic Testing Practice Test

Question: 1 / 400

What are beta particles classified as?

Protons

Electrons

Beta particles are classified as electrons, which are subatomic particles with a negative charge. In the context of radioactive decay, beta radiation occurs when a neutron in an unstable nucleus decays into a proton while emitting a beta particle, which is essentially an electron. This process allows the atomic number of the atom to increase by one while keeping the mass number constant.

In addition to electrons, there are also beta particles known as positrons, which are the antimatter counterparts of electrons and carry a positive charge. However, in the context of the question, the beta particles mentioned refer specifically to electrons, as they are more commonly associated with beta decay processes. This understanding is crucial in radiographic testing and analysis where recognizing the type of radiation and its properties is essential for interpreting results accurately.

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Neutrons

Positrons

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