What type of radiation consists of high-energy electrons produced when a neutron converts?

Beta radiation is composed of high-energy electrons that are emitted during the radioactive decay process, specifically when a neutron within an unstable nucleus converts into a proton. This transformation occurs because the neutron undergoes a process called beta decay, where it changes into a proton and emits an electron (the beta particle) along with an antineutrino. The result is a lighter, more stable nucleus, with the emitted beta particle contributing to the overall radiation emitted by the material.

The other types of radiation mentioned differ significantly in their composition and behavior. Alpha radiation consists of helium nuclei (two protons and two neutrons) and is generally less penetrating than beta radiation, which makes it less relevant to this question. Gamma radiation involves high-energy photons, which are electromagnetic in nature and do not consist of particles like electrons. Neutron radiation consists of uncharged neutrons, which are emitted in certain types of nuclear reactions but is not related to the conversion of neutrons into high-energy electrons. Therefore, beta radiation is the correct answer as it directly describes the process initiated by the conversion of a neutron.