GCSE Physics · key term

Positron

Definition

The antiparticle of an electron: it has the same mass as an electron but a positive charge.

Used by Edexcel

Specification 6.5, 6.11, 6.19, 6.34P · Paper 1

The antiparticle of the electron, having the same relative mass as an electron but a positive relative charge.
A positron is the antiparticle of an electron.
Revise: Relative Masses and Charges
A positively charged particle with the same mass as an electron; it is the electron's antiparticle.
Revise: Ionising Radiations
The antimatter counterpart of an electron, with the same very small mass but a positive relative charge of +1.
Revise: Beta-plus Decay

1 more note

1
Do not confuse a positron with a proton: both have relative charge $+1$ , but their relative masses are very different.
2
Keep the sign on electric charge: an electron has charge $-1$ , whereas a positron has charge $+1$ .
3
Keep the signs distinct: $\beta^-$ is an electron and $\beta^+$ is a positron.

Create a free account to read GCSE Physics revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.

GCSE Physics · key term

The antiparticle of an electron: it has the same mass as an electron but a positive charge.

Used by Edexcel

Specification 6.5, 6.11, 6.19, 6.34P · Paper 1

The antiparticle of the electron, having the same relative mass as an electron but a positive relative charge.
A positron is the antiparticle of an electron.
Revise: Relative Masses and Charges
A positively charged particle with the same mass as an electron; it is the electron's antiparticle.
Revise: Ionising Radiations
The antimatter counterpart of an electron, with the same very small mass but a positive relative charge of +1.
Revise: Beta-plus Decay

1 more note

1
Do not confuse a positron with a proton: both have relative charge $+1$ , but their relative masses are very different.
2
Keep the sign on electric charge: an electron has charge $-1$ , whereas a positron has charge $+1$ .
3
Keep the signs distinct: $\beta^-$ is an electron and $\beta^+$ is a positron.

Create a free account to read GCSE Physics revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.