BETA PARTICLE Meaning and
Definition
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A beta particle refers to a high-energy particle ejected from the nucleus of an unstable atom during radioactive decay. It is classified as one of the three types of ionizing radiation, along with alpha particles and gamma rays. Beta particles are subatomic particles, either electrons (known as beta minus particles) or positively charged positrons (known as beta plus particles), that are emitted as a result of the transformation of a neutron or a proton within the atomic nucleus.
Beta decay occurs when a neutron is converted into a proton or when a proton is transformed into a neutron, while simultaneously releasing an electron (beta minus decay) or a positron (beta plus decay), respectively. The emitted beta particle, carrying high kinetic energy, can traverse through matter for considerable distances depending on its initial velocity. These particles are often accompanied by the emission of neutrinos, which are fundamental subatomic particles with very low masses and no electrical charge.
Due to their ionizing nature, beta particles can cause biological damage when they interact with living tissues, disrupting cellular structures and potentially leading to genetic mutations or radiation sickness. Consequently, measures such as shielding and proper dosimetry are essential in environments where beta particle radiation is present, such as nuclear power plants, radioactive material storage facilities, or medical applications of nuclear medicine.
Common Misspellings for BETA PARTICLE
- veta particle
- neta particle
- heta particle
- geta particle
- bwta particle
- bsta particle
- bdta particle
- brta particle
- b4ta particle
- b3ta particle
- bera particle
- befa particle
- bega particle
- beya particle
- be6a particle
- be5a particle
- betz particle
- bets particle
- betw particle
Etymology of BETA PARTICLE
The word "beta" in "beta particle" comes from the second letter of the Greek alphabet, "βeta" (pronounced "beta"), which was used as a designation for particles emitted from certain radioactive materials. The term "beta" was given to these particles by Ernest Rutherford, a New Zealand-born British physicist, in the early 20th century when studying radioactivity. The term "beta particle" refers to high-energy electrons or positrons (positively charged electrons) emitted during certain types of radioactive decay.
Similar spelling word for BETA PARTICLE
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