Beta Particle
An electron emitted by a radioactive nucleus, when a neutron decays into a proton and an electron. In some cases, beta radiation consists of positrons, "antielectrons" which are identical to electrons but carry a +1 charge.
Note that beta particles are created in nuclear decay; they do not exist as independent particles within the nucleus.
See also: Alpha Particle, Electron, Gamma Rays, Radioactive Decay, Weak Force.
Subjects: Physics