Beetasäteilyä

Beetasäteilyä, also known as beta radiation, is a type of ionizing radiation emitted from the nucleus of an unstable atom during radioactive decay. It consists of high-energy electrons or positrons. Beta particles are emitted when a neutron in the nucleus converts into a proton, releasing an electron, or when a proton converts into a neutron, releasing a positron. This process is known as beta decay.

The energy of beta particles typically ranges from a few keV to several MeV. Beta radiation has a moderate penetrating power; it can pass through thin layers of material like paper or clothing but can be stopped by a few millimeters of aluminum or plastic. In terms of ionization, beta particles are less ionizing than alpha particles but more ionizing than gamma rays.

Beta radiation has various applications, including in industrial thickness gauging, where it is used to measure the thickness of materials like paper or metal sheets. It is also used in medical treatments, such as brachytherapy for certain types of cancer, and in diagnostic imaging. However, exposure to beta radiation can be harmful. It can cause skin burns and damage to living tissue, and internal exposure can be particularly dangerous if beta-emitting isotopes are ingested or inhaled. Proper shielding, such as with Plexiglas or aluminum, is necessary when working with beta-emitting sources.