Beta Decay
Beta decay is a type of nuclear reaction where an unstable atomic nucleus changes into a more stable one by transforming a neutron into a proton (beta-minus decay) or a proton into a neutron (beta-plus decay). During this process, the nucleus emits a beta particle, which is essentially an electron or a positron. This transformation alters the element’s atomic number, resulting in a new element. Beta decay is one of the ways that unstable isotopes reach stability, and it plays a significant role in nuclear physics and applications like medicine and energy.
Additional Insights
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Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable atomic nucleus transforms to achieve stability. In this process, a neutron changes into a proton, releasing a beta particle, which is essentially an electron, and an antineutrino. This increases the atomic number by one, resulting in a new element. For example, when carbon-14 undergoes beta decay, it becomes nitrogen-14. Beta decay is important in nuclear physics, helping us understand how elements change and contributing to the natural processes that power stars and the universe.
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Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable atomic nucleus transforms into a more stable one by changing a neutron into a proton or vice versa. In this process, an electron (beta particle) or a positron is emitted. This change alters the atomic number of the element, turning it into a different element or isotope. For example, when carbon-14 undergoes beta decay, it becomes nitrogen-14. Beta decay is common in certain elements and helps scientists understand nuclear processes as well as applications in medicine and archaeology, like carbon dating.