Positron decay

Definition

Positron decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a proton inside a nucleus is converted into a neutron, releasing a positron and a neutrino. This process decreases the atomic number by one but leaves the mass number unchanged.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Positron decay occurs in proton-rich nuclei where the proton-to-neutron ratio is too high.
2. The emitted positron is the antimatter counterpart of an electron and has the same mass but opposite charge.
3. During positron decay, the parent nucleus transforms into a daughter nucleus with one fewer proton.
4. A neutrino, specifically an electron neutrino, is also emitted alongside the positron during this decay process.
5. Positron emission can be represented by the equation: $p \rightarrow n + e^+ + \nu_e$.

Review Questions

Related terms

Beta Decay:

A type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus.

Neutrino:

An electrically neutral, weakly interacting elementary subatomic particle with half-integer spin.

Electron Capture: A process in which an inner orbital electron is captured by the nucleus, leading to a decrease in atomic number by one.