Beta+Decay

Beta decay is when the nucleus emits an electron.

How did the electron get into the nucleus? ANS: A neutron inside the nucleus changes into a proton and an electron. The electron is 'kicked' out.



Beta particles are therefore just **electrons** that whizz out of the unstable nucleus. .

Electrons are very small particles, in fact they are the //smallest// fundamental particle! So we definitely can't see them. Because Beta particles are so small they can:
 * Travel a few metres in air.
 * Pass through your skin and continue into your body.
 * Be stopped with a few cms of metal.

But because they are small they do not cause as much damage as alpha particles.

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