Beetahiukkasten

Beetahiukkasten, also known as beta particles, are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive nuclei. This process is a form of beta decay, where an unstable atomic nucleus transforms into a more stable one by emitting a beta particle and a neutrino or antineutrino. In beta-minus decay, a neutron within the nucleus converts into a proton, emitting an electron and an electron antineutrino. In beta-plus decay, a proton transforms into a neutron, releasing a positron and an electron neutrino. Positrons are the antiparticles of electrons. Beta particles are a form of ionizing radiation, meaning they have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms and molecules they interact with. This ionizing capability can cause damage to biological tissues. However, beta particles have a relatively short range in matter and can be stopped by a few millimeters of aluminum or plastic. They are more penetrating than alpha particles but less so than gamma rays. In applications, beta emitters are used in thickness gauging, medical imaging, and cancer therapy.