beta decay

noun

, Physics.

1. a radioactive process in which a beta particle is emitted from the nucleus of an atom, raising the atomic number of the atom by one if the particle is negatively charged, lowering it by one if positively charged.

beta decay

noun

1. the radioactive transformation of an atomic nucleus accompanying the emission of an electron. It involves unit change of atomic number but none in mass number Also calledbeta transformationbeta process

beta decay

1. A form of radioactive decay caused by the weak nuclear force, in which a beta particle (electron or positron) is emitted.
2. ◆ In beta-minus decay , a neutron in an atomic nucleus decays into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino. The electron and antineutrino are emitted from the nucleus, while the proton remains. The atomic number of the atom is thereby increased by 1. The decay of Carbon-14 into Nitrogen-14, a phenomenon useful in carbon dating, is an example of beta-minus decay.
3. ◆ In beta-plus decay , a proton in an atomic nucleus decays into a neutron, a positron, and a neutrino. The positron and neutrino are emitted from the nucleus, while the neutron remains. The atomic number of the atom is thereby reduced by 1. The decay of Carbon-10 to Boron-10 is an example of beta-plus decay.
4. See also W boson

Word History and Origins

Origin of beta decay¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Scientists have performed a new, more sensitive measurement of beta decay properties to hunt for a theorized feature of the weak nuclear force not currently included in the Standard Model.

From Science Daily

In the case of both dark matter and neutrinoless double beta decay, they are hoping to record extremely rare events that could solve two key mysteries of the universe.

From Science Daily

It would tweak JUNO’s liquid scintillator so the detector could watch for another exotic nuclear physics phenomenon called neutrinoless double beta decay.

From Science Magazine

They had a problem with beta decay, this nuclear reaction that seemed to have something missing.

From Scientific American

The prior year she had proved Enrico Fermi's theory of beta decay after more than a decade of attempts by others.

From Scientific American