Mechanisms of Beta Decay: A Deep Dive into Nuclear Physics

Beta decay is a type of radioactive disintegration in which an unstable atomic nucleus transforms to become more stable by emitting a fast-moving beta particle (an electron or a positron). Driven entirely by the weak nuclear force, this transformation changes the number of protons inside the nucleus, effectively transmuting the atom into a completely different chemical element. Crucially, the total mass number (total number of protons and neutrons) remains unchanged during the process. Types of Beta Decay

The process occurs in three primary forms depending on whether the nucleus has too many neutrons or too many protons: DOE Explains…Beta Decay – Department of Energy