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A Beta particle is essentially an electron (or positron) traveling at substantial speed. When a beta particle strikes a living cell, it interacts with the molecules making up the cell and creates one or more ion pairs by causing outer electrons to leave the molecule and making the molecule positively charged, while the released electron is negatively charged. Ionized molecules take part in different chemical reactions than do similar molecules that are electrically neutral. As a result of the ionization, exotic chemical reactions take place in the effected cell. These reactions may interfere with cell metabolism or with cell DNA (affecting or preventing cell division). Cells have a limited ability to repair the damage caused by this process, but if enough damage is inflicted fast enough, the cell may be damaged or killed. If enough cells are damaged or killed in one organ, the organ may be damaged.

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When a beta particle strikes a living cell what happens?

One or more ion pair is created when a beta particle strikes a living thing and interacts with the molecules making up the cell. The cell may also cease to function.


Is a beta particle an electron?

Yes, a beta particle is an electron.


What is the strength of a beta particle?

The strength of a beta particle is its ability to cross the absorber to reach the detector.Now the strength of a beta particle depends upon the energy of the beta particle and thickness of the absorber.


A high-speed electron ejected from a nucleus durng radioactive decay is called a?

an alpha particle


What is the difference between a beta plus particle and a beta minus particle?

The difference between a beta plus and beta minus particle is the electrical charge. The charges are equal, but opposite. The beta minus particle is an electron with a negative charge, while the beta plus particle is an anti-electron or positron with a positive charge.


In a beta particle emission what does the neutron split into?

In beta particle emission, a neutron in the nucleus converts into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and an antineutrino.


What is the charge for a beta particle?

negative, -1 to be precise since a beta particle is an electron


What are the properties of an Beta particle?

A beta particle is an electron (or positron) with high energy and speed.


What is the charge of a beta particle?

A beta particle has a charge of -1, which means it is negatively charged.


Positively charged particle that is also beta particle?

A positron is a positively charged particle that is also a beta particle. It is the antimatter counterpart of the electron, with the same mass but opposite charge. Positrons are commonly produced in beta plus decay processes.


What is beta perticle?

The beta particle is an electron.


When beta particle strikes a living cell?

It interacts with the molecules making up the cell and creates one or more ion pairs by causing outer electrons to leave the molecule and making the molecule positively charged, while the released electron is negatively charged.