Beta particle?

A beta particle is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted by certain types of radioactive decay processes. Beta particles are smaller and lighter than alpha particles, and can penetrate deeper into materials. They are commonly used in medical imaging and radiation therapy.

Beta Particle

Definition:

- A beta particle is a high-energy, charged particle emitted by the nucleus of an atom during radioactive decay.
- It is a subatomic particle that is identical to an electron or a positron.

Types:

- Beta-minus (β-) particle: An electron emitted from the nucleus when a neutron decays into a proton. The atomic number increases by 1, and the mass number remains unchanged.
- Beta-plus (β+) particle: A positron emitted from the nucleus when a proton decays into a neutron. The atomic number decreases by 1, and the mass number remains unchanged.

Properties:

- Mass: Negligible (less than 0.01% of the mass of a proton or neutron)
- Charge: -1e for β- particles and +1e for β+ particles
- Speed: Close to the speed of light
- Penetrating Power: Moderate; can penetrate several millimeters of aluminum
- Ionizing Power: Less than alpha particles but more than gamma rays

Origin:

- Beta-minus particles are produced when there is an excess of neutrons in the nucleus.
- Beta-plus particles are produced when there is a surplus of protons in the nucleus.

Applications:

- Radiation therapy
- Nuclear medicine
- Radioisotope dating
- Study of nuclear structure and reactions