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Beta decay

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College Physics I – Introduction

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.

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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?
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