Beta Decay Nuclear Simulation
About Beta Decay
Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay where a nucleus emits an electron (β⁻) or positron (β⁺) and transforms into a different element.
Beta Minus (β⁻) decay: ³²₁₅P → ³²₁₆S + e⁻ + ν̄ (T₁/₂ = 14.3 days)
Beta Plus (β⁺) decay: ²²₁₁Na → ²²₁₀Ne + e⁺ + ν (T₁/₂ = 2.6 years)
In β⁻ decay, a neutron converts to a proton, emitting an electron and antineutrino. In β⁺ decay, a proton converts to a neutron, emitting a positron and neutrino.
Neutrinos (ν) and antineutrinos (ν̄) are nearly massless neutral particles that interact very weakly with matter.
