Beta Decay definitions Flashcards
Beta Decay definitions
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Beta Decay A nuclear process where an unstable nucleus emits a high-speed electron to convert a neutron into a proton. Beta Particle A high-energy, high-speed electron emitted during beta decay, with negligible mass and negative charge. Neutron A subatomic particle in the nucleus with no charge, which can convert into a proton and electron during beta decay. Proton A positively charged subatomic particle in the nucleus, increased in number during beta decay. Electron A negatively charged subatomic particle ejected from the nucleus during beta decay. Selenium-81 An isotope that undergoes beta decay to transform into bromine-81, maintaining a mass number of 81. Bromine-81 The product of selenium-81 after beta decay, with an increased atomic number but unchanged mass number. Mass Number The total number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus, unchanged during beta decay. Atomic Number The number of protons in a nucleus, increased by one during beta decay. Ionizing Power The ability of a particle to ionize atoms, lower for beta particles compared to alpha particles. Penetrating Power The ability of a particle to pass through materials, higher for beta particles than alpha particles. Alpha Particle A larger particle compared to beta particles, with higher ionizing but lower penetrating power. Helium-4 An isotope representing alpha particles, consisting of two protons and two neutrons. Shielding The use of dense materials like metal or wood to block beta particles due to their penetrating power.