Beta

Definition

Beta radiation is a type of ionizing radiation consisting of beta particles, which are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive nuclei. It occurs during the process of beta decay.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Beta particles can be either electrons (beta-minus decay) or positrons (beta-plus decay).
2. Beta decay changes the atomic number of the parent nucleus, resulting in the transformation of one element into another.
3. The penetrating power of beta particles is greater than that of alpha particles but less than that of gamma rays; they can penetrate human skin but are usually stopped by a few millimeters of plastic or glass.
4. Beta decay processes help explain neutron-to-proton conversions in unstable atomic nuclei.
5. In beta-minus decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino; in beta-plus decay, a proton is converted into a neutron, a positron, and a neutrino.

Review Questions

• What types of particles are emitted during beta radiation?
• How does beta-minus decay change the atomic number and mass number of a nucleus?
• What materials are typically sufficient to stop beta particles?

Related terms

Alpha Radiation: A type of ionizing radiation consisting of alpha particles (two protons and two neutrons) emitted from certain radioactive nuclei.

Gamma Radiation: High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from radioactive nuclei during nuclear transitions.

Neutrino: $\text{An elementary particle with very low mass and no electric charge}$ that is produced in certain types of radioactive decays, such as beta decay.