Why does a beta particle have 0 as its mass number? For a negative beta particle why is it that its mass number is 0 and its atomic number is -1 because if : mass number = num of (protons + neutrons) and atomic number= num of (protons) , why wouldn't the mass number be -1 aswell , I know the mass of an electron is 0 but if protons make up the mass and atomic numbers then why is just the atomic number -1?

Kailyn Hamilton

Kailyn Hamilton

Answered question

2022-11-02

Why does a beta particle have 0 as its mass number?
For a negative beta particle why is it that its mass number is 0 and its atomic number is -1 because if : mass number = num of (protons + neutrons) and atomic number= num of (protons) , why wouldn't the mass number be -1 aswell , I know the mass of an electron is 0 but if protons make up the mass and atomic numbers then why is just the atomic number -1?

Answer & Explanation

okuzala3ul

okuzala3ul

Beginner2022-11-03Added 14 answers

The so-called mass number is really a nucleon count, since the neutron's mass is very slightly more than the proton's, while the electron's is nearly 2000 times smaller. In fact, we can think of it more fundamentally as a conserved quantity called the baryon number (for which each nucleon scores 1, while the electron scores 0).

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

New Questions in Nuclear physics

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?