What charge do beta particles have?

Beta particles are a type of subatomic particle that are produced during the radioactive decay of certain isotopes. They come in two varieties: beta-minus (β-) and beta-plus (β+). Beta-minus particles are electrons, which carry a negative charge, while beta-plus particles are positrons, which carry a positive charge.

In the context of the question regarding the charge of beta particles, the focus is on beta-minus particles since they are more commonly referred to when discussing beta radiation. Therefore, the correct answer indicates that beta particles are negatively charged, aligning with the nature of the beta-minus decay process that results in the emission of electrons.

Beta particles, due to their negative charge, interact with electric and magnetic fields, allowing us to observe their behavior in these fields. This characteristic is part of what distinguishes them from other types of radiation, such as alpha particles, which are positively charged, and gamma rays, which are neutral.