Beta Minus Decay What's next?

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    Beta Decay
In summary, Beta Minus Decay is a type of radioactive decay that involves the emission of an electron and an antineutrino, resulting in the formation of a new element. This occurs when a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton and an electron is emitted from the nucleus. The particles involved in this process are an electron and an antineutrino. Beta Minus Decay differs from Beta Plus Decay in that it emits an electron instead of a positron. After Beta Minus Decay occurs, the resulting nucleus may undergo further radioactive decay or become stable, depending on the specific atom.
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esmeralda4
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Hi.

After Beta minus decay does the atom gain a charge and become an ion?

I.e after a neutron become a proton and electron does the atom become positively charged because it has more protons than electrons?

Or does it capture an electron from somewhere else?

Thanks
 
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The new electron is emitted with high energy and will probably be ejected from the atom, leaving a positive ion. The positive ion will eventually capture another electron and become neutral.
 

1. What is Beta Minus Decay?

Beta Minus Decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an unstable atomic nucleus emits an electron and an antineutrino, resulting in the formation of a new element.

2. How does Beta Minus Decay occur?

In Beta Minus Decay, a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a proton and an electron. The electron then leaves the nucleus, carrying away excess energy, and the proton remains in the nucleus, resulting in a new element with a higher atomic number.

3. What types of particles are involved in Beta Minus Decay?

The particles involved in Beta Minus Decay are an electron, a type of lepton, and an antineutrino, a type of fermion. Both of these particles are emitted from the nucleus of the atom undergoing decay.

4. What is the difference between Beta Minus Decay and Beta Plus Decay?

Beta Minus Decay and Beta Plus Decay are two types of radioactive decay that involve the emission of particles from a nucleus. The main difference is that Beta Minus Decay emits an electron, while Beta Plus Decay emits a positron (antimatter equivalent of an electron).

5. What happens after Beta Minus Decay occurs?

After Beta Minus Decay occurs, the resulting nucleus may still be unstable and undergo further radioactive decay or it may become stable. This depends on the specific atom and its properties. In some cases, the new element formed may also be radioactive and undergo further decay until it reaches a stable state.

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