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Beta Decay definitions

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  • Beta Decay
    A process where an unstable nucleus emits an electron, altering its atomic number but not its atomic mass.
  • Electron
    A subatomic particle with negligible mass and a negative charge, emitted during certain nuclear reactions.
  • Beta Particle
    A high-speed electron released from a nucleus, carrying an atomic number of -1 and mass of 0.
  • Atomic Mass
    The total number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus, remaining unchanged during this nuclear process.
  • Atomic Number
    A value representing the number of protons in a nucleus, which increases by one after this nuclear event.
  • Mercury-201
    An isotope with atomic number 80 and mass 201, serving as an example of a nucleus undergoing this transformation.
  • Thallium-201
    A product nucleus formed when an isotope with atomic number 80 emits a beta particle.
  • Alpha Particle
    A larger radioactive particle compared to electrons, with greater ionizing power but less penetration.
  • Ionizing Power
    The ability of radiation to remove electrons from atoms, lower for electrons than for larger radioactive particles.
  • Penetrating Power
    The capacity of radiation to pass through materials, higher for electrons than for larger radioactive particles.
  • Radioactive Particle
    A subatomic entity emitted from unstable nuclei, including electrons and larger particles.
  • Periodic Table
    A chart organizing elements by atomic number, used to identify elements involved in nuclear reactions.
  • Sheet of Metal
    A barrier capable of blocking high-speed electrons emitted from nuclei, preventing their entry into the body.