Beta decay

Definition

Beta decay is a radioactive process in which a beta particle (an electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus. This process alters the number of protons and neutrons within the nucleus, leading to a change in the element.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are two types of beta decay: beta-minus ($\beta^-$) and beta-plus ($\beta^+$).
2. In beta-minus decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, and an electron and antineutrino are emitted.
3. In beta-plus decay, a proton is converted into a neutron, and a positron and neutrino are emitted.
4. Beta decay follows the conservation laws of charge, lepton number, and energy.
5. The emitted beta particles have a continuous spectrum of energies up to a maximum value specific to each isotope.

Review Questions

• What happens to the atomic number of an element during beta-minus decay?
• Explain the difference between beta-minus and beta-plus decay.
• Which conservation laws must be followed during any type of beta decay?

Related terms

Alpha Decay:

A type of radioactive decay in which an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons) is emitted from an atomic nucleus.

Gamma Decay:

A type of radioactive decay where an excited nucleus releases energy in the form of gamma rays without changing its number of protons or neutrons.

Neutrino:

An elementary particle with very low mass and no electric charge that is produced during certain types of nuclear reactions such as beta decay.