Beta decay is a radioactive process in which an unstable atomic nucleus transforms into a more stable one by emitting a beta particle, which can be either an electron or a positron. This process results in the conversion of a neutron to a proton or vice versa, altering the atomic number of the element while conserving charge and energy.

Beta Decay

Beta decay

radioactive process

unstable atomic nucleus

Stable atomic nucleus

beta particle

An electron is a subatomic particle with a negative electric charge, fundamental to the structure of atoms and the flow of electricity. It plays a crucial role in chemical bonding and is a central element of quantum mechanics, influencing the behavior of atoms and molecules.

electron

A positron is the antimatter counterpart of the electron, possessing the same mass but an opposite charge. It is a key component in processes like positron emission tomography (PET) and plays a significant role in the study of particle physics and antimatter interactions.

positron

conversion of a neutron to a proton

Conversion of a proton to a neutron

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom, which uniquely identifies the element and determines its position in the periodic table. It also equals the number of electrons in a neutral atom, influencing the chemical properties and reactivity of the element.

atomic number

The conservation of charge is a fundamental principle of physics stating that the total electric charge in an isolated system remains constant over time. This principle implies that charge can neither be created nor destroyed, only transferred from one form to another.

Conservation Of Charge

The conservation of energy principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another or transferred between objects. This fundamental concept underpins all physical processes and is a cornerstone of both classical and modern physics, ensuring that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant over time.

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