What is the charge of beta particles?

Beta particles are a type of ionizing radiation that are produced during the radioactive decay of certain unstable nuclei. Specifically, they are high-energy, high-speed electrons (or positrons, which are their antiparticle counterpart).

The charge of a beta particle is negative one (-1) for electrons and positive one (+1) for positrons. Since the question specifically pertains to beta particles in general without distinguishing between the two types, it is commonly understood in the context of many physics and chemistry discussions that when referring to beta particles, the emphasis is often on the negatively charged electrons.

Given this context, the correct answer highlights that the charge of beta particles is indeed negative one, as found in the most prevalent form of beta decay, where a neutron transforms into a proton and an electron (the beta particle) is emitted. This understanding of beta decay and the properties of the particles involved confirms why the charge of beta particles is negative.