Beetasäteilyllä

Beetasäteilyllä refers to radiation emitted in the form of beta particles. Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons that are ejected from the nucleus of an atom during a type of radioactive decay called beta decay. Beta decay occurs when an unstable atomic nucleus has an excess of neutrons or protons. If there are too many neutrons, one transforms into a proton, emitting an electron (a beta-minus particle) and an antineutrino. If there are too many protons, one transforms into a neutron, emitting a positron (a beta-plus particle) and a neutrino.

Beta radiation has moderate penetrating power. It can pass through a few millimeters of aluminum or a few centimeters of plastic, but it is stopped by a thin sheet of lead or thicker materials like concrete. While it cannot penetrate the outer dead layer of skin, it can cause skin burns if the source is close or the exposure is prolonged. Internally, if a beta-emitting substance is ingested or inhaled, it can be highly damaging to tissues.

Applications of beta radiation include medical treatments like brachytherapy, where radioactive sources are placed directly into tumors, and in industry for thickness gauging, where beta particles are passed through materials to measure their density. It is also used in some smoke detectors. Due to its penetrating power and ionizing nature, proper shielding and handling procedures are essential when working with sources of beta radiation.