What do we call an electron or positron that is emitted during beta decay?

During beta decay, a nucleus transforms and emits a beta particle, which can either be an electron or a positron. This process occurs when a neutron in the nucleus converts into a proton while releasing an electron (in the case of beta-minus decay) or when a proton converts into a neutron and emits a positron (in the case of beta-plus decay).

The key feature of a beta particle is its charged nature, with electrons carrying a negative charge and positrons carrying a positive charge. In nuclear reactions, these particles play a critical role in balancing the atomic number while maintaining the overall nucleon count, allowing the atom to transition into a different element or isotope.

The other options refer to different types of particle emissions. Gamma particles are high-energy photons emitted during nuclear transitions but do not involve the emission of charged particles. Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons (a helium nucleus) and are significantly heavier than beta particles. Neutron particles are neutral and do not relate to the beta decay process, which specifically involves changes in charge associated with electrons or positrons. Thus, the term 'beta particle' accurately describes the emitted electron or positron in the context of beta decay.