Positrons

Definition

Positrons are the antimatter counterparts of electrons, having the same mass but a positive charge. They are emitted during certain types of radioactive decay, such as beta-plus decay.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Positrons have the same mass as electrons but carry a positive charge.
2. They are commonly produced in beta-plus decay, where a proton is converted into a neutron.
3. When positrons encounter electrons, they annihilate each other, producing gamma rays.
4. Positron emission is used in medical imaging techniques like Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans.
5. The symbol for a positron is $\beta^+$ or $e^+$.

Review Questions

• What is the charge and mass of a positron?
• In what type of radioactive decay are positrons emitted?
• What happens when a positron encounters an electron?

Related terms

Beta-Plus Decay: A type of radioactive decay where a proton is converted into a neutron and emits a positron and a neutrino.

Gamma Rays: High-energy electromagnetic radiation produced from nuclear reactions or particle annihilations.

Antimatter: Substances composed of antiparticles, which have the same mass as their corresponding particles but opposite charges.