When dealing with nuclear reactions, several different types of reactions can occur, one of them being beta decay, which is when a neutron decomposes into a proton and an electron. Let us familiarize ourselves with beta decay and its process by reading the article. Show
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What is Beta Decay?Beta Decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a proton is transformed into a neutron or vice versa inside the nucleus of the radioactive sample. Processes like beta decay and alpha decay allow the nucleus of the radioactive sample to get as close as possible to the optimum neutron/ proton ratio. While doing so, the nucleus emits a beta particle which can either be an electron or positron. Remember that there either a proton can turn into a neutron or a neutron into a proton. Electron and the positron are generated to obey the law of conservation of charge. Beta-decay occurs via weak interaction. What happens in Beta Decay?Beta decay is a radioactive decay in which a beta ray is emitted from an atomic nucleus. During beta decay, the proton in the nucleus is transformed into a neutron and vice versa. If a proton is converted to a neutron, it is known as β+ decay. Similarly, if a neutron is converted to a proton, it is known as β– decay. Due to the change in the nucleus, a beta particle is emitted. The beta particle is a high-speed electron when it is a β– decay and a positron when it is a β+ decay. Beta particles are used to treat health conditions such as eye and bone cancer and are also used as tracers. Beta Decay ExampleOne of the examples of beta decay is the β– decay of the carbon atom. Here, a neutron of carbon is converted into a proton, and the emitted beta particle is an electron. Similarly, the β+ decay of carbon-10 can be represented by an equation as follows: \(\begin{array}{l}_{6}^{10}\textrm{C} \rightarrow _{5}^{10}\textrm{B} + _{1}^{0}\textrm{e}^+\end{array} \) Here, the proton of the carbon atom is converted into a neutron, and the emitted beta particle is a positron. There are two beta decay types: beta minus (β–) and beta plus (β+). Beta-Minus Decay
Examples of beta minus decay include the decay of 14C into 14N and it usually occurs in neutron-rich nuclei. Beta-Plus Decay
Beta plus decay can happen only if the daughter nucleus is more stable than the mother nucleus. This difference goes into the conversion of a proton into a neutron, a positron and a neutrino. There is no increase in mass number because a proton and a neutron have the same mass. The below image depicts the example
of beta minus (β–) decay and beta plus (β+) decay. Fermi’s Theory of Beta DecayFermi’s theory of beta decay or Fermi’s interaction illustrates beta decay by Enrico Fermi in 1933. Enrico Fermi created the world’s first nuclear reactor. He proposed that four fermions directly interact with one another at one vertex. This interaction explains the beta decay by direct coupling of a neutron with an electron, a neutrino (later determined to be an antineutrino), and a proton. Frequently Asked Questions – FAQsBeta Decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a proton is transformed into a neutron or vice versa inside the nucleus of the radioactive sample. One of the examples of beta decay is the
β– decay of carbon atoms. The beta particle is a high-speed electron when it is a β– decay and a positron when it is a β+ decay. For example, the β+ decay of carbon-10 is given as follows: \(\begin{array}{l}_{6}^{10}\textrm{C}
\rightarrow _{5}^{10}\textrm{B} + _{1}^{0}\textrm{e}^+\end{array} \) Here, a neutron of carbon is converted into a proton, and the emitted beta particle is an electron. What are the uses of beta decay?Beta particles are used to treat health conditions such as eye and bone cancer and are also used as tracers. What happens in beta-plus decay?In beta plus decay, the proton disintegrates to yield a neutron causing a decrease in the atomic number of the radioactive sample. Among the various proposed models over the years, the Quantum Mechanical Model seems to fit all properties best. Why? Watch the video to learn more. Stay tuned to BYJU’S and Fall in Love with Learning! What products are released during beta decay?In beta minus (β−) decay, a neutron is converted to a proton, and the process creates an electron and an electron antineutrino; while in beta plus (β+) decay, a proton is converted to a neutron and the process creates a positron and an electron neutrino.
Why is an electron emitted in beta decay?So, the beta decay may occur and either a proton can turn to a neutron or neutron to a proton. Electrons and the positron are emitted to balance charge in order to the law of conservation of charge.
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