What happens during beta decay?

During beta decay, a nucleus emits a beta particle (electron) or beta-plus particle (positron).

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay that occurs when a nucleus emits a beta particle (electron) or beta-plus particle (positron). This process occurs when there is an excess of either protons or neutrons in the nucleus, causing it to become unstable. In beta-minus decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton and an electron, which is then emitted from the nucleus. In beta-plus decay, a proton in the nucleus is converted into a neutron and a positron, which is then emitted from the nucleus.

During beta decay, the nucleus also emits a type of radiation called a neutrino or antineutrino. These particles have no charge and very little mass, and they interact very weakly with matter. They are difficult to detect, but their existence was predicted by the laws of physics and has been confirmed by experiments.

Beta decay can be used in a variety of applications, including medical imaging and cancer treatment. In positron emission tomography (PET) scans, a radioactive isotope is injected into the body and emits positrons, which then interact with electrons in the body to produce gamma rays that can be detected by a scanner. In radiation therapy, beta particles can be used to target cancer cells and destroy them while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.