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.
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Beta particles can be either electrons (beta-minus decay) or positrons (beta-plus decay).
Beta decay changes the atomic number of the parent nucleus, resulting in the transformation of one element into another.
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.
Beta decay processes help explain neutron-to-proton conversions in unstable atomic nuclei.
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.
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Related terms
Alpha Radiation: A type of ionizing radiation consisting of alpha particles (two protons and two neutrons) emitted from certain radioactive nuclei.