1. an electron or positron emitted from an atomic nucleus in a certain type of radioactive decay.
Examples from the web for beta particle
- When a radioactive nuclei emits a beta particle, a neutron transforms into a proton.
- When a neutron transforms to a proton and a beta particle.
- The beta particle can cause harm by ionizing atoms in its path, until it eventually stops and becomes a harmless electron.
- As the beta particle approaches an atom it can interact with the nucleus by attraction.
- It does not pose an external hazard because it decays by emitting a relatively low-energy beta particle with no gamma radiation.
British Dictionary definitions for beta particle
noun 1. a high-speed electron or positron emitted by a nucleus during radioactive decay or nuclear fission
beta particle in Medicine
beta particle n.
A high-speed electron or positron, especially one emitted from the nucleus of an atom in radioactive decay.
beta particle in Science
beta particle
A high-speed electron or positron, usually emitted by an atomic nucleus undergoing radioactive decay. Beta particles are given off naturally by decaying neutrons in radioactive atoms and can be created in particle accelerators. Beta particles have greater speed and penetrating power than alpha particles but can be stopped by a sheet of aluminum that is 2 to 3 mm thick. See more at radioactive decay.
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Encyclopedia Article for beta particle
electron (unit negative charge) or positron (unit positive charge) spontaneously emitted by certain unstable atomic nuclei in the radioactive disintegration process of beta decay (q.v.).
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