Another question about beta decay (stupid ones)

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    Beta Beta decay Decay
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SUMMARY

Beta decay occurs in two forms: beta minus decay, where an atom releases an electron and an antineutrino, and beta plus decay, where a positron is emitted. These processes are spontaneous and do not require external interactions to trigger the release of particles. The underlying mechanism involves the conversion of neutrons to protons or vice versa within the nucleus. Neutron-heavy nuclei typically undergo beta minus decay, while proton-heavy nuclei, such as certain isotopes of cobalt and sodium-22, emit positrons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear physics concepts, specifically beta decay mechanisms.
  • Familiarity with atomic structure, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.
  • Knowledge of isotopes and their stability, particularly in relation to decay processes.
  • Basic grasp of particle physics, including the roles of neutrinos and antineutrinos.
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  • Research the specific isotopes that undergo beta decay, focusing on cobalt and sodium-22.
  • Explore the concept of K-capture and its implications in nuclear decay.
  • Study the differences between neutron-heavy and proton-heavy nuclei in terms of stability and decay.
  • Investigate the role of neutrinos and antineutrinos in nuclear reactions and decay processes.
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Students and professionals in nuclear physics, educators teaching atomic structure, and anyone interested in the mechanisms of radioactive decay.

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A couple of really stupid questions:(

In beta minus decay, an atom release and electron (and an antineutrino). The electron, does this happen spontaneously? Doesn't the another particle have to collide or interact with the atom (be give it some momentum, or energy), to trigger the atom to release an electron.

And in beta plus decay, an atom releases a positron. Where does this positron actually come from? The atom can liberate electrons, sure, but not positrons!
 
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In beta decay (either one), the particle release is spontaneous. The particle is emitted by the nucleus - it has nothing to do with the electrons in the atom. The essential process is neutron to proton conversion (electron emission) or proton to neutron (positron emission), within the nucleus.
 
Hi vertices! :smile:

Most atomic nuclei are "neutron-heavy", so they naturally decay to emit electrons, but a few (cobalt-something, for example, I think) are "proton-heavy", so they naturally decay to emit positrons. :smile:
 
True positron emitters are rare and short-lived. (I think Na-22 is the longest lived, at about 3 years) More common is something called K-capture, when a proton absorbs an electron, turns into a neutron and emits a neutrino.

There are even rare nuclei that can beta decay in either direction. One is even mentioned somewhere on this page.
 
thanks for the replies guys:)
 

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