Very briefly (less than an nanosecond (10-9 s), and probably on the order of 10-11 s). [I'll try to find an open source reference] Note that a beta particle is an electron and it will have a short range in the matter. It may collide with other electrons in the original atom, but it will interact with other electrons in neighboring atoms. The range in the material depends on the energy of the beta particle and type of material (electron density and binding energies of the atomic electrons). A positive ion will 'steal' an electron from a neighboring atom, which sets off a cascade of electrons jumping from other atoms until the original beta electron finds an ion and recombines.rpthomps said:Summary:: I was wondering if the resulting daughter element is ionized after the parent undergoes beta(or any other kind) of radioactive decay,
I was wondering if the resulting daughter element is ionized after the parent undergoes beta(or any other kind) of radioactive decay,
Thank you so much!mathman said:Daughter particles (charges) such as alpha (He4 nucleus) or beta (electrons or positrons) are ions. However there are enough other things around to quickly neutralize.
Thanks!mathman said:Daughter particles (charges) such as alpha (He4 nucleus) or beta (electrons or positrons) are ions. However there are enough other things around to quickly neutralize.
Wow! Thanks for the reply!Astronuc said:Very briefly (less than an nanosecond (10-9 s), and probably on the order of 10-11 s). [I'll try to find an open source reference] Note that a beta particle is an electron and it will have a short range in the matter. It may collide with other electrons in the original atom, but it will interact with other electrons in neighboring atoms. The range in the material depends on the energy of the beta particle and type of material (electron density and binding energies of the atomic electrons). A positive ion will 'steal' an electron from a neighboring atom, which sets off a cascade of electrons jumping from other atoms until the original beta electron finds an ion and recombines.
When a positron (sometimes called a positive beta particle) is emitted, the atomic charge goes from Z to Z-1 and an atomic electron is emitted. The positron slows down through collisions until it combines with a negative electron and the pair annihilates into two photons of ~0.511 MeV. That is the basis of a PET scan. The atom that loses an electron then steals an electron from one of its neighbors and that starts a cascade of electron stealing until atom absorbs the free electron from the atom that emitted the positron.
In the case of the alpha particle, the atom number decreases by 2, i.e., Z -> Z-2, and so two electrons are lost. The alpha particle will slow down in the vicinity of the atom from which it came and become a helium atom, while the emitting atom will lose two electrons. Those free electrons will migrate to an available ion and recombine.
Thank you!mathman said:Daughter particles (charges) such as alpha (He4 nucleus) or beta (electrons or positrons) are ions. However there are enough other things around to quickly neutralize.
Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a parent particle, typically a neutron or proton, transforms into a daughter particle by emitting a beta particle (either an electron or positron) and a neutrino.
Beta decay occurs when a parent particle has too many or too few neutrons in its nucleus, causing it to be unstable. In order to reach a more stable state, the parent particle undergoes beta decay to transform into a daughter particle with a more balanced number of neutrons and protons.
Yes, the daughter particles are typically ionized during beta decay. This is because beta particles, which are emitted during the decay, are charged particles that can interact with other particles and atoms in their surroundings, causing them to become ionized.
The ionization of daughter particles can have various effects on the surrounding environment, depending on the type and energy of the emitted beta particles. It can cause changes in the chemical properties of surrounding atoms, produce free radicals, and potentially damage biological cells.
Yes, the ionization of daughter particles can be harmful if it occurs in large amounts or in sensitive areas of the body. Exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation can lead to various health problems, including DNA damage and an increased risk of cancer.