Beta Particle

views updated May 11 2018

Beta particle

An electron emitted by the nucleus of a radioactive atom. The beta particle is produced when a neutron within the nucleus decays into a proton and an electron. Beta particles have greater penetrating power than alpha particles but less than x-ray or gamma rays. Although beta particles can penetrate skin, they travel only a short distance in tissue. Beta rays pose relatively little health hazard, therefore, unless they are ingested into the body. Naturally radioactive materials such as potassium-40, carbon-14, and strontium-90 emit beta particles, as do a number of synthetic radioactive materials.

See also Radioactivity

beta particle

views updated May 11 2018

beta particle Energetic electron emitted spontaneously by certain radioactive isotopes. Beta decay results from the breakdown of a neutron to a proton, electron and antineutrino. See also radioactivity

beta particle

views updated Jun 27 2018

be·ta par·ti·cle (also beta ray) • n. Physics a fast-moving electron emitted in radioactive decay.