Fermi's theory of beta decay

Fermi's theory of beta decay describes a process where a neutron in an atomic nucleus transforms into a proton, emitting an electron and an antineutrino. This occurs because of weak nuclear interactions, one of the four fundamental forces. Beta decay helps stabilize heavy nuclei by converting excess neutrons into protons. Fermi proposed that this transformation involves a virtual particle exchange, highlighting the role of weak force carriers, known as W bosons. His work was crucial for understanding nuclear reactions and has implications in fields like nuclear physics and astrophysics.