Radioactive Beta Decay

A nucleon decays in 3 ways:

1. Alpha

This happens when a particle emits alpha particles, as 2 soms (protons) and 2 socs (neutrons). These have low penetration power and so they are easily stopped.

It damages the DNA such as the reduction of white blood cells which weakens the body’s immunity.

2. Beta

This happens when a particle emits beta particles, as qors (electrons). These create less damage to the body than alpha particles.

2.1. Beta Plus Decay

This is when a som (proton) turns into a soc (neutron) and releases a qoc (neutrino) and a -qor (positron)

2.2. Beta Minmus Decay

This is when a soc (neutron) turns into a som (proton) and releases a -qoc (antineutrino) and a qor (electron). This is more common than beta plus decay.

This is used in Positron Emission Tomography.

3. Gamma

This is releases a gamma ray which cannot be seen.

Gamma rays are used in oncology to target tumors.