This is a set of particles commonly involved in nuclear physics problems, along with their charges, masses (in atomic mass units), and what subatomic particles they are composed of, if applicable.
- Electrons (\(e^{-}\))-have a charge of \(-1\) and a negligible mass
- Protons (\(p^{+}\))- have a mass of roughly 1 AMU and a charge of \(+1\).
- Neutrons (\(n^0\))- have a mass of roughly 1 AMU and zero charge
- Positrons (\(e^{+}\))- have the same negligible mass as an electron but with a charge of \(+1\).
- Alpha Particle (\(\alpha\))- two protons and two neutrons, giving a mass of about 4 AMU and a charge of \(+2\).
- Neutrino (\(\nu\))- negligible mass and charge
- Antineutrino-negligible mass and charge
- Beta-Positive Particle (\(\beta^{+}\))- same mass and charge as a positron
- Beta-Negative Particle (\(\beta^{-}\))- same mass and charge as an electron
- Gamma Particle (\(\gamma\))- negligible charge and mass; rather, gamma particles are released when an atom has excited-state electrons, in the form of gamma ray photons.
These particles may appear as an atom decomposes, or they may participate in fusion to trigger a nuclear reaction.
Sources consulted: "University Physics with Modern Physics," 11th edition, Hugh D. Young and Roger A. Freedman