Beta decay

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle is emitted from an atomic nucleus. This process allows the atom to move closer to the optimal ratio of protons and neutrons, thereby achieving greater stability. Beta decay is a common form of radioactive decay and is fundamental to our understanding of nuclear physics and quantum mechanics.

Overview

Beta decay is characterized by the transformation of a neutron into a proton, or vice versa, within an atomic nucleus. This transformation is accompanied by the emission of a beta particle, which can be either an electron (beta-minus decay) or a positron (beta-plus decay).

In beta-minus decay, a neutron in the nucleus transforms into a proton, an electron, and an electron antineutrino. The electron and the antineutrino are emitted from the nucleus, while the proton remains. This process results in an increase in the atomic number of the atom.

In beta-plus decay, a proton in the nucleus transforms into a neutron, a positron, and a neutrino. The positron and the neutrino are emitted from the nucleus, while the neutron remains. This process results in a decrease in the atomic number of the atom.

Conservation Laws in Beta Decay

Beta decay obeys several fundamental conservation laws, including the conservation of charge, conservation of linear and angular momentum, and conservation of total energy. The discovery of beta decay led to the development of the neutrino concept, a key element in the standard model of particle physics.

Applications

Beta decay has numerous applications in various fields. In medicine, it is used in radiation therapy to treat certain types of cancer. In archaeology, it is used in radiocarbon dating to determine the age of ancient artifacts and fossils. In nuclear power, it is a source of heat in radioisotope thermoelectric generators, which are used to power spacecraft.

See Also

• Radioactive decay
• Alpha decay
• Gamma decay
• Neutrino
• Standard model