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).

See also

• alpha particle
• gamma ray
• radioactivity
• radiation
• nuclear physics
• list of particles
• rays: α — β — γ — δ — ε