Radioactivity Flashcards
1
Q
Why does beta decay occur?
A
Beta decay happens when the neutron to proton ratio is either too great or too small in the nucleus of an atom, so a neutron turns into a proton, or vice versa.
In Beta minus decay, a neutron turns into a proton adding the atomic number Z
In Beta plus decay, a proton turns into a neutron subtracting the atomic number Z
2
Q
What happens in Beta minus decay?
A
In Beta minus decay, a neutron turns into a proton adding the atomic number Z
3
Q
What happens in Beta plus decay?
A
In Beta plus decay, a proton turns into a neutron subtracting the atomic number Z
