beta decay
Plural
beta decays
1
a type of radioactive decay where a nucleus emits a beta particle (electron or positron) to transform a neutron into a proton or vice versa
- Carbon-14 undergoes beta decay to nitrogen-14 with the emission of an electron.
- Strontium-90 undergoes beta decay to become yttrium-90.
- Beta decay plays a crucial role in the decay chain of many radioactive isotopes.
- Scientists use beta decay to date organic materials through radiocarbon dating.
- Strontium-90, a byproduct of nuclear fission, undergoes beta decay to yttrium-90, releasing high-energy electrons in the process.