Beta particle

Beta particles are high-energy electrons emitted by certain types of radioactive nuclei such as potassium-40. The beta particles emitted are a form of ionizing radiation also known as beta rays. The production of beta particles is termed beta decay. They are designated by the Greek letter beta (β).

β⁻ decay (electron)

Unstable atomic nuclei with an excess of neutrons may undergo β− decay, where a neutron is converted into a proton, an electron and an electron-type antineutrino (the antiparticle of the neutrino):

Related Topics:
Neutron - Proton - Antiparticle - Neutrino

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mbox{n} ightarrow mbox{p} + mbox{e}^- + ar{ u}_{e}

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The electron and the antineutrino are emitted from the nucleus.

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