How does the weak nuclear force cause beta decay?

The weak nuclear force causes beta decay by transforming a neutron into a proton, electron and antineutrino.

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay that occurs when a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is transformed into a proton, electron and antineutrino. This process is mediated by the weak nuclear force, which is one of the four fundamental forces of nature. The weak nuclear force is responsible for the decay of subatomic particles, such as neutrons and protons, and is the only force that can change the flavour of a quark.

During beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is transformed into a proton, electron and antineutrino. The weak nuclear force is responsible for this transformation, as it allows the neutron to change into a proton by emitting a W- boson. The W- boson then decays into an electron and an antineutrino, which are emitted from the nucleus.

The weak nuclear force is weaker than the electromagnetic and strong nuclear forces, which is why beta decay is a relatively slow process. However, it is still an important process in nuclear physics, as it allows unstable nuclei to decay into more stable configurations. This has important applications in fields such as nuclear energy and medicine, where radioactive isotopes are used for imaging and treatment.