Beta radiation

Beta Radiation

Beta radiation, also known as beta decay, is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle is emitted from an atomic nucleus. Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive nuclei such as potassium-40 or carbon-14.

Overview

Beta radiation is the product of the weak nuclear force, which causes a neutron to decay into a proton by the emission of a beta particle and an antineutrino. The process of beta decay can be represented by the following equation:

n → p + e− + νe

where n represents a neutron, p represents a proton, e− represents an electron (beta particle), and νe represents an electron antineutrino.

Types of Beta Decay

There are two types of beta decay: beta-minus (β−) and beta-plus (β+).

Beta-Minus Decay

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

Beta-Plus Decay

In beta-plus decay, a proton in an atom's nucleus turns into a neutron, a positron, and a neutrino. The positron and the neutrino are emitted from the nucleus, while the neutron remains. This process leads to a decrease in the atomic number of the atom.

Detection and Measurement

Beta radiation can be detected and measured using a Geiger-Muller counter or a scintillation counter. These devices detect the ionization caused by the beta particles as they pass through a gas or a scintillating material.

Health Effects

Exposure to beta radiation can cause radiation sickness and increase the risk of cancer. However, beta particles can also be used in medical treatments, such as radiation therapy for cancer.

See Also

• Alpha radiation
• Gamma radiation
• Radioactive decay
• Nuclear force
• Radiation therapy