Difference between revisions of "Beta Decay"
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*In [[Beta-Minus Decay|beta-minus (β⁻) decay]], a [[neutron]] turns into a [[proton]], an [[electron]], and an [[antineutrino]]. | *In [[Beta-Minus Decay|beta-minus (β⁻) decay]], a [[neutron]] turns into a [[proton]], an [[electron]], and an [[antineutrino]]. | ||
*In [[Beta-Plus Decay|beta-plus (β⁺) decay]], a [[proton]] turns into a [[neutron]], a [[positron]], and a [[neutrino]]. | *In [[Beta-Plus Decay|beta-plus (β⁺) decay]], a [[proton]] turns into a [[neutron]], a [[positron]], and a [[neutrino]]. | ||
| − | * | + | *[[Beta Decay|Beta Decay]] occurs in [[Neutron-rich Nucleus|neutron-rich]] or [[Proton-rich Nucleus|proton-rich]] [[Atomic Nucleus|nuclei]]. |
*The [[emit]]ted [[Beta Particle|beta particles]] are [[electron]]s or [[positron]]s. | *The [[emit]]ted [[Beta Particle|beta particles]] are [[electron]]s or [[positron]]s. | ||
| + | *[[Beta Decay|Beta decay]] changes the [[Atomic Number|atomic number]] of a [[nucleus]], resulting in the [[Transmutation|transmutation]] of [[element]]s. | ||
*[[Beta Radiation|Beta radiation]] is less ionizing than [[Alpha Radiation|alpha radiation]] but more than [[Gamma Radiation|gamma radiation]]. | *[[Beta Radiation|Beta radiation]] is less ionizing than [[Alpha Radiation|alpha radiation]] but more than [[Gamma Radiation|gamma radiation]]. | ||
| + | *[[Beta Decay|Beta decay]] plays a crucial role in [[Nuclear Reaction|nuclear reactions]] and [[Radioactive Decay|radioactive decay]] processes. | ||
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===Examples=== | ===Examples=== | ||
*[[Carbon-14]] undergoes [[Beta-Minus Decay|β⁻ decay]] to become [[nitrogen]]-14. | *[[Carbon-14]] undergoes [[Beta-Minus Decay|β⁻ decay]] to become [[nitrogen]]-14. | ||
*[[Fluorine-18]] undergoes [[Beta-Plus Decay|β⁺ decay]] in [[PET Scan|PET scan]]s. | *[[Fluorine-18]] undergoes [[Beta-Plus Decay|β⁺ decay]] in [[PET Scan|PET scan]]s. | ||
Latest revision as of 12:24, 22 May 2024
Key Stage 5
Meaning
Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay involving the transformation of a neutron into a proton or vice versa, accompanied by the emission of a beta particle and a neutrino or antineutrino.
About Beta Decay
- In beta-minus (β⁻) decay, a neutron turns into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino.
- In beta-plus (β⁺) decay, a proton turns into a neutron, a positron, and a neutrino.
- Beta Decay occurs in neutron-rich or proton-rich nuclei.
- The emitted beta particles are electrons or positrons.
- Beta decay changes the atomic number of a nucleus, resulting in the transmutation of elements.
- Beta radiation is less ionizing than alpha radiation but more than gamma radiation.
- Beta decay plays a crucial role in nuclear reactions and radioactive decay processes.