A beta particle is essentially a high-energy electron emitted during beta decay. Here's the breakdown of its mass and charge:

* Mass: The mass of a beta particle is very small, almost negligible compared to a proton or neutron. It's about 1/1836th the mass of a proton.

* Charge: A beta particle carries a single negative charge, equal in magnitude to the charge of an electron (-1.602 x 10^-19 Coulombs).

Important Note: There are two types of beta decay:

* Beta-minus decay: Emits an electron (beta-minus particle) and an antineutrino.

* Beta-plus decay: Emits a positron (a positively charged anti-electron) and a neutrino.

While both types involve beta particles, they differ in the sign of the charge carried by the emitted particle.