Are Beta Particles Made of Electrons and Anti-Neutrinos?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the composition of beta particles, specifically whether they consist solely of electrons or also include anti-neutrinos. Participants explore the nature of beta decay and the interactions involved, particularly in relation to the weak force.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a beta particle is solely an electron, while beta decay also produces an anti-neutrino.
  • Others argue that the beta particle and anti-neutrino are produced during the decay process and do not exist prior to it.
  • Questions are raised about the nature of interactions between the electron and anti-neutrino, particularly regarding the weak force.
  • One participant notes a lack of rigorous study on the weak force, indicating uncertainty in explaining the interactions involved.
  • A later reply suggests that during interactions, particles can be destroyed and produced, referencing Feynman graphs and virtual particles, but expresses doubt about the relevance of this explanation to the original inquiry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether beta particles include anti-neutrinos or solely consist of electrons. Multiple competing views remain regarding the nature of beta decay and the interactions involved.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include varying levels of understanding of the weak force among participants and the potential for differing interpretations of the interactions during beta decay.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying particle physics, particularly in the context of beta decay and weak interactions.

Kartiky14
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Does a Beta(?) Particle as a whole, comprise electrons and anti-neutrino?? or just a electron??
 
Physics news on Phys.org
A beta particle consists of only an electron, but beta decay also produces an (electron?) antineutrino. I think.
 
Ok..
Do you mean that the nuclear decay is further followed by the decay of the radioactive emission?

and yes, i would also like to know that, what do we mean when we say that
"A weak force exists between a antineutrino and a electron in a beta particle and they interact with the same weak force"

I want to know what this interaction is all about..?(What happens during such 'interactions'?)
 
I haven't studied the weak force very rigorously, so I can't answer your second, but the first, I don't think so. Beta decay releases two things: a beta particle (electron) and an antineutrino.
 
A beta particle is an electron. They're simply two different names for the same thing.

In beta decay, a neutron changes into a proton, and an electron (beta particle) and antineutrino are created. The electron and antineutrino do not exist before the decay, inside the neutron or elsewhere.
 
jtbell said:
A beta particle is an electron. They're simply two different names for the same thing.

In beta decay, a neutron changes into a proton, and an electron (beta particle) and antineutrino are created. The electron and antineutrino do not exist before the decay, inside the neutron or elsewhere.

Thanks!
Can you answer my second question about the beta particle and antineutrino interaction by weak forces??
 
Whovian said:
I haven't studied the weak force very rigorously, so I can't answer your second, but the first, I don't think so. Beta decay releases two things: a beta particle (electron) and an antineutrino.

Thanks man..! :D
 
Kartiky14 said:
(What happens during such 'interactions'?)
Particles get destroyed and produced. There is no deeper level here, they just can do this, and there are equations which allow to calculate this.
It can be shown as Feynman graph with a virtual particle (the W boson) in between, but I doubt that this is what you are looking for.
 

Similar threads

High School Are the electron and neutrino that are emitted in a beta decay entangled?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Graduate Beta Decay, why did they have to resort to Neutrinos?
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
Undergrad Decay constant of Different Elements and Isotopes?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School Beta Plus Decay: What's Left for the Electron?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Undergrad How Does Beta Decay Relate to the Role of W Bosons in Weak Nuclear Force?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
High School Where does the mass of a W boson come from in beta decay?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad Energy distribution plot of neutrinos in beta decay
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate "Reversal" of Nuclear Decay in Beta Emitters
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad From what locations do radiated electrons start their movement in Beta decay?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Undergrad If we define the electron as an antiparticle, will there be a problem?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K