beta decay

beta decay

n.

The radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus accompanied by emission of a beta particle.

---

beta decay

n

(Physics / General Physics) the radioactive transformation of an atomic nucleus accompanying the emission of an electron. It involves unit change of atomic number but none in mass number Also called beta transformation, process

---

beta decay

A form of radioactive decay caused by the weak nuclear force, in which a beta particle (electron or positron) is emitted. In beta-minus decay, a neutron in an atomic nucleus decays into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino. The electron and antineutrino are emitted from the nucleus, while the proton remains. The atomic number of the atom is thereby increased by 1. The decay of Carbon-14 into Nitrogen-14, a phenomenon useful in carbon dating, is an example of beta-minus decay. In beta-plus decay, a proton in an atomic nucleus decays into a neutron, a positron, and a neutrino. The positron and neutrino are emitted from the nucleus, while the neutron remains. The atomic number of the atom is thereby reduced by 1. The decay of Carbon-10 to Boron-10 is an example of beta-plus decay. See also W boson.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

beta decay - radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus that is accompanied by the emission of a beta particle radioactive decay, disintegration, decay - the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation