Radioactive Beta Decay
Table of Contents
A nucleon decays in 3 ways:
- 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.
- 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.
- Gamma
This is releases a gamma ray which cannot be seen.
Gamma rays are used in oncology to target tumors.