Beta decay: Difference between revisions
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Beta plus decay occurs in unstable nuclei with too many protons. One proton becomes a neutron with the release of a β<sup>+ </sup>particle (a [[Positron|positron]]) and a [[Neutrino|neutrino]]. The result of this decay is the nuclei of a different element, which is located one box to the left of the original element on the periodic table<ref name="[1]">Breithaupt J. AQA physics A A2: student's book. UK: Nelson Thornes. 2008.</ref>.<sup></sup> | Beta plus decay occurs in unstable nuclei with too many protons. One proton becomes a neutron with the release of a β<sup>+ </sup>particle (a [[Positron|positron]]) and a [[Neutrino|neutrino]]. The result of this decay is the nuclei of a different element, which is located one box to the left of the original element on the periodic table<ref name="[1]">Breithaupt J. AQA physics A A2: student's book. UK: Nelson Thornes. 2008.</ref>.<sup></sup> | ||
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Latest revision as of 17:16, 4 December 2016
There are two types of beta decay: beta plus decay and beta minus decay. Only beta minus decay, however, occurs naturally[1].
Beta minus decay occurs in unstable nuclei with too many neutrons. One of the neutrons becomes a proton in a process that involves the release of a β- particle (a high energy electron) and an antineutrino. The result is the nuclei of a different element. This element is located one box to the right of the original element on the periodic table [1].
Beta plus decay occurs in unstable nuclei with too many protons. One proton becomes a neutron with the release of a β+ particle (a positron) and a neutrino. The result of this decay is the nuclei of a different element, which is located one box to the left of the original element on the periodic table[1].