1. What Is Beta Minus Decay?

Beta minus decay (β⁻ decay) is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable atomic nucleus transforms a neutron into a proton, emitting an electron (beta particle) and an electron antineutrino. This process increases the atomic number by 1 while keeping the mass number constant.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the beta minus decay equation:

Where:

• \( ^A_ZX \) — Parent nucleus with mass number A and atomic number Z
• \( ^A_{Z+1}Y \) — Daughter nucleus with same mass number but atomic number increased by 1
• \( \beta^- \) — Beta particle (electron)
• \( \bar{\nu}_e \) — Electron antineutrino

Explanation: During beta minus decay, a neutron converts to a proton, emitting an electron and antineutrino to conserve charge, lepton number, and energy.

3. Importance Of Beta Decay Equations

Details: Understanding beta decay is crucial for nuclear physics, radiometric dating, medical imaging, nuclear power, and studying fundamental particle interactions.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the parent nucleus mass number (A), atomic number (Z), and element symbol. The calculator will generate the complete beta decay nuclear equation showing the daughter nucleus and emitted particles.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between beta minus and beta plus decay?
A: Beta minus decay converts a neutron to a proton (emitting electron), while beta plus decay converts a proton to a neutron (emitting positron).

Q2: Why is the mass number conserved in beta decay?
A: The mass number represents total nucleons (protons + neutrons), and beta decay only changes neutron to proton ratio, not total nucleon count.

Q3: What role does the antineutrino play?
A: The antineutrino carries away excess energy and angular momentum, ensuring conservation laws are satisfied in the decay process.

Q4: Can all elements undergo beta decay?
A: Only nuclei with neutron-rich isotopes undergo beta minus decay to achieve more stable neutron-to-proton ratios.

Q5: What are practical applications of beta decay?
A: Used in nuclear medicine (imaging and therapy), radiometric dating, nuclear reactors, and scientific research on weak nuclear force.