Beta+ Decay: Where Does Positron & Neutrino Go?

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SUMMARY

In beta+ decay, the positron and neutrino produced do not remain in the nucleus. The positron typically annihilates with an electron in the surrounding environment, resulting in the emission of gamma rays. In contrast, the neutrino escapes the vicinity of the decay event, as it interacts very rarely with matter, making it exceedingly likely to travel away undetected. This behavior is consistent with the fundamental properties of these particles.

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After a beta+ decay, where does the positron and neutrino go? Do they stay in the nucleus or?
 
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Frank Li said:
After a beta+ decay, where does the positron and neutrino go? Do they stay in the nucleus or?
Depending on the surroundings, the positron will likely end up annihilating with an electron somewhere nearby. The neutrino most likely (and I mean that it is orders and orders of magnitude likelier than anything else) goes away never to be heard of by anyone or anything again. They have a tendency of interacting very very seldom.
 

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