BETA RAY Meaning and
Definition
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A beta ray refers to a highly energetic and ionizing particle that is emitted during beta decay. It is one of the three types of ionizing radiation, alongside alpha and gamma rays. Beta rays, also known as beta particles, are commonly produced during the radioactive decay of unstable atomic nuclei.
Beta decay occurs when an atomic nucleus undergoes a transformation to become more stable. In this process, either a neutron is converted into a proton, or a proton is transformed into a neutron. As a result, an energetic beta particle is emitted from the nucleus.
Beta rays can be either negatively charged electrons (known as beta-minus particles) or positively charged positrons (beta-plus particles). Accordingly, beta decay is classified into beta-minus and beta-plus decay. The beta particles are emitted at high speeds and possess a range of energies, depending on the specific decay process.
Due to their ability to penetrate matter, beta rays are considered ionizing radiation and can be harmful to living organisms. They can cause damage to cells and DNA, leading to health risks such as radiation sickness and an increased risk of cancer. However, their higher energy and charge enable them to be easily deflected or stopped by materials like aluminum or even thin layers of plastic. This characteristic allows for beta particles to be used in various applications like medical imaging and radiation therapy.
Common Misspellings for BETA RAY
- veta ray
- neta ray
- heta ray
- geta ray
- bwta ray
- bsta ray
- bdta ray
- brta ray
- b4ta ray
- b3ta ray
- bera ray
- befa ray
- bega ray
Etymology of BETA RAY
The term "beta ray" was coined by Ernest Rutherford, a New Zealand-born British physicist, in the early 20th century. The word "beta" originates from the second letter of the Greek alphabet, which is written as "β" or "beta". Rutherford classified three types of radiation emitted by radioactive elements: alpha particles, beta particles (later referred to as beta rays), and gamma rays. The use of the term "beta" was intended to indicate that these particles were the second type of radiation discovered, following the identification of alpha particles.
Similar spelling words for BETA RAY
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