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).

The neutrino and conservation of energy

Due to the presence of the neutrino, the atom and the beta particle do not usually recoil in opposite directions. This observation led Wolfgang Pauli to postulate the existence of neutrinos in order to prevent violation of conservation of energy and momentum laws. Beta decay is mediated by the weak nuclear force.

Related Topics:
Recoil - Wolfgang Pauli - Energy - Momentum - Weak nuclear force

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Beta particles may be stopped by a few mil (1/1000 in.) of aluminum. A beta particle's flight is ten times farther than an alpha particle, although it ionizes a tenth less than an alpha particle.

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