What is the type of radiation that comes in the form of a high energy electron?

The correct answer identifies beta radiation as the type of radiation that consists of high-energy electrons. Beta particles are emitted from the nucleus of an unstable atom during the process of radioactive decay. When a neutron in the nucleus transforms into a proton, it emits a beta particle—an electron with considerable energy—thus contributing to the alteration of the atomic number and transforming the original atom into a different element.

In the context of radiation types, alpha particles are comprised of two protons and two neutrons and are much heavier than beta particles. Gamma radiation, on the other hand, consists of high-frequency electromagnetic waves rather than particles, and does not involve electrons. X-rays, similar to gamma rays, are also forms of electromagnetic radiation but have lower energy than gamma rays. Understanding the characteristics of beta radiation is essential for recognizing its implications in fields such as nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, and radiobiology.