Beta plus decay, also known as positron emission, is a type of radioactive decay in which a proton in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a neutron, releasing a positron (a positively charged particle) and a neutrino.
Beta minus decay, also known as electron capture, is a type of radioactive decay in which an electron from the innermost shell of an atom combines with a proton in the nucleus, forming a neutron and releasing an electron neutrino.
Beta plus and Beta minus decay differ in the type of particle that is emitted. In Beta plus decay, a positron is emitted while in Beta minus decay, an electron is either emitted or captured by the nucleus. Additionally, Beta plus decay occurs in proton-rich nuclei while Beta minus decay occurs in neutron-rich nuclei.
The weak force is responsible for Beta decay. It is one of the four fundamental forces of nature and is responsible for the decay of particles, including protons and neutrons. During Beta decay, the weak force is responsible for transforming a quark within the nucleus, resulting in the emission of particles.
Beta decay plays a crucial role in nuclear physics as it is responsible for the stability of many atoms. Without Beta decay, some atoms would have an unstable ratio of protons to neutrons, making them highly radioactive. It also plays a role in the production of energy in nuclear reactors and is used in medical imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET).