Key idea
Beta decay
β⁻ : n → p + e⁻ + ν̄ₑ
Beta decay changes the proton-neutron balance of a nucleus through the weak interaction. In beta-minus decay a neutron becomes a proton while an electron and an antineutrino are emitted.
Beta decay
The key idea
Beta decay changes the proton-neutron balance of a nucleus through the weak interaction. In beta-minus decay a neutron becomes a proton while an electron and an antineutrino are emitted.
Why it matters
Beta processes explain why a nucleus can change element without losing four nucleons as in alpha decay.
A picture to remember
Key idea
Beta decay
Guided example
Beta decay
Beta decay changes the proton-neutron balance of a nucleus through the weak interaction. In beta-minus decay a neutron becomes a proton while an electron and an antineutrino are emitted.
Put it into practice
Beta decay
Choose a concrete case linked to Beta decay. Write down the known information, what you are trying to find, and the units. Then state the rule, model or trend you will use. If a calculation is involved, keep the units visible at every line; if it is conceptual, state what changes and what remains fixed.
Check your answer
A strong answer contains four things: the starting situation, the variable that changes, the direction or numerical result, and one check. The check can be a unit, an order of magnitude, a limiting case or a comparison with a familiar example.