Beta decay

Beta Decay

Beta decay (pronounced: /ˈbeɪtə dɪˈkeɪ/) is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle is emitted from an atomic nucleus. This process allows the atom to move closer to the optimal ratio of protons to neutrons, thereby achieving greater stability.

Etymology

The term "beta decay" originates from the early 20th century when scientists were still in the process of discovering different types of radiation. The Greek letter Beta was used to denote the second type of radiation discovered, following alpha decay.

Process

In beta decay, a neutron in an atomic nucleus is transformed into a proton, an electron, and an electron antineutrino. The electron and the antineutrino are emitted from the nucleus, while the proton remains. This process results in the atomic number of the nucleus increasing by one.

Types

There are two types of beta decay: beta-minus decay and beta-plus decay. In beta-minus decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, an electron, and an electron antineutrino. In beta-plus decay, a proton is converted into a neutron, a positron, and an electron neutrino.

Conservation Laws

Beta decay obeys two fundamental conservation laws: the conservation of electric charge and the conservation of lepton number.

Related Terms

• Radioactive decay
• Alpha decay
• Gamma decay
• Neutrino
• Positron

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Beta decay
• Wikipedia's article - Beta decay

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