Beta Decay not a specific problem, just a question

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Beta plus decay involves the emission of a positron, where the mass of the electron is considered in kinetic energy calculations. In contrast, beta minus decay emits an electron, and the mass of the electron is often said to "cancel out" in kinetic energy calculations. This cancellation occurs because the total energy and momentum conservation equations account for the mass of the emitted electron and the parent nucleus. The discussion seeks clarification on how this cancellation happens mathematically. Understanding this concept is crucial for accurate calculations in nuclear physics.
erinec
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I understand that a beta plus decay emits positron and beta minus decay emits electron. For the calculation of kinetic energy of the particle released, you take into account the mass of electron for beta plus, but why is it that you DON'T take into account the mass of electron for beta minus? I kind of heard that the mass of electron cancels out for beta minus decay. I do not see how that happens. If you could show me how the mass of electron "cancels out" when calculating the kinetic energy released for beta minus decay, I would feel extremely grateful. Thank you for taking your time to read my question.
 
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erinec said:
I understand that a beta plus decay emits positron and beta minus decay emits electron. For the calculation of kinetic energy of the particle released, you take into account the mass of electron for beta plus, but why is it that you DON'T take into account the mass of electron for beta minus? I kind of heard that the mass of electron cancels out for beta minus decay. I do not see how that happens. If you could show me how the mass of electron "cancels out" when calculating the kinetic energy released for beta minus decay, I would feel extremely grateful. Thank you for taking your time to read my question.
Who doesn't take into account the mass of the electron?
 

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