What is the mass size of beta particles compared to alpha particles?

Beta particles are indeed smaller than alpha particles in terms of mass. To understand this difference, it's essential to recognize what each particle is made of. Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, making them relatively heavy. In contrast, beta particles are essentially fast-moving electrons (or positrons in the case of beta-plus decay), which have a significantly smaller mass.

When discussing mass size, it is important to note that the mass of a beta particle is about 1/1836 of that of a proton, while an alpha particle is roughly four times the mass of a proton due to its composition of protons and neutrons. This substantial difference in mass illustrates why beta particles are classified as lighter or smaller compared to alpha particles. The understanding of these particles is crucial in radiological science, where their properties affect how they interact with matter and how they are managed in radiation safety protocols.