SBA — Single Best Answer · Review
Question 587
Biophysics → General
Classification
Question
SSBAQuestion Header
Which description most accurately characterises beta radiation?
Question Stem
Select the single best answer.
Options
A
A helium nucleus carrying a +2 charge
B
A high-speed, high-energy negatively charged electron emitted by a radioactive nucleus
C
A positively charged particle approximately equal in size to an electron
D
High-frequency electromagnetic radiation emitted during gamma decay
E
Electromagnetic radiation produced by electron deceleration
Explanation
Beta radiation consists of high-speed, high-energy negatively charged electrons emitted by radioactive nuclei. This distinguishes beta particles from alpha particles, positrons and electromagnetic gamma or X-radiation.
Option Validity
A) This describes an alpha particle.
C) This describes a positron.
D) This describes gamma radiation.
E) Electron deceleration can generate X-rays, including Bremsstrahlung.
Further Reading
Saxena R. Textbook for MRCOG-1. Chapter 9: Biophysics, pp.278–279.