2.3.2 Beta decay

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a proton is transformed into a neutron, or vice versa, inside an atomic nucleus. This process allows the atom to move closer to the optimal ratio of protons and neutrons. As a result of this transformation, the nucleus emits a detectable beta particle, which is an electron or positron.

There are two types of beta decay, known as beta minus and beta plus. Beta minus (β^-) decay produces an electron and electron antineutrino, while beta plus (β⁺) decay produces a positron and electron neutrino; β⁺ decay is thus also known as positron emission.