Beta decay - Revision history

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Jmdonev at 02:57, 15 January 2018

2018-01-15T02:57:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:57, 15 January 2018
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	[[Category:Done ~~2015~~-07-24]]		[[Category:Done 2017-12-31]]
	[[File:betaminus.png\|360px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. A model of beta-minus decay, showing the ejection of an electron from the nucleus and the specific transformation of a neutron.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (July 22, 2015). ''Beta Minus Decay'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Beta-minus_Decay.svg/1024px-Beta-minus_Decay.svg.png</ref>]]		[[File:betaminus.png\|360px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1. A model of beta-minus decay, showing the ejection of an electron from the nucleus and the specific transformation of a neutron.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (July 22, 2015). ''Beta Minus Decay'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Beta-minus_Decay.svg/1024px-Beta-minus_Decay.svg.png</ref>]]

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	Beta minus decay occurs whenever a nucleus has too many [[neutron]]s. In this type, a neutron from the nucleus is transformed into a [[proton]] and an [[electron]], with the electron being ejected from the nucleus. To ensure the [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/particles/parint.html rules of particle physics] hold, a tiny particle known as an [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/particles/neutrino.html anti-neutrino] is also released.<ref name="RE3">Study Physics. (July 22, 2015). ''Beta Decay'' [Online]. Available: http://www.studyphysics.ca/2007/30/08_atomic/43_decay.pdf</ref> The general equation representing beta minus decay is:		Beta minus decay occurs whenever a nucleus has too many [[neutron]]s. In this type, a neutron from the nucleus is transformed into a [[proton]] and an [[electron]], with the electron being ejected from the nucleus. To ensure the [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/particles/parint.html rules of particle physics] hold, a tiny particle known as an [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/particles/neutrino.html anti-neutrino] is also released.<ref name="RE3">Study Physics. (July 22, 2015). ''Beta Decay'' [Online]. Available: http://www.studyphysics.ca/2007/30/08_atomic/43_decay.pdf</ref> The general equation representing beta minus decay is:

	<center><m>^A_ZX_N \rightarrow ^A_{Z+1}Y_{N-1} + e^- + \bar{\nu}</m></center>		<center><math>^A_ZX_N \rightarrow ^A_{Z+1}Y_{N-1} + e^- + \bar{\nu}</math></center>

	where:		where:
	* <m>^A_ZX_N</m> is the parent nucleus		* <math>^A_ZX_N</math> is the parent nucleus
	* <m>^A_{Z+1}Y_{N-1}</m> is the daughter nucleus		* <math>^A_{Z+1}Y_{N-1}</math> is the daughter nucleus
	* <m>e^-</m> is the released beta particle, an electron		* <math>e^-</math> is the released beta particle, an electron
	* <m>\bar{\nu}</m> is the released anti-neutrino		* <math>\bar{\nu}</math> is the released anti-neutrino

	Beta plus decay comes from a nucleus with too many protons. In this type of decay, a proton from the nucleus is transformed into a neutron and a [[positron]] (which is simply a "positive version" of the electron). To ensure [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/particles/parint.html rules of particle physics] hold, a tiny particle known as a [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/particles/neutrino.html neutrino] is also released.<ref name="RE3"/> The general equation representing beta positive decay is:		Beta plus decay comes from a nucleus with too many protons. In this type of decay, a proton from the nucleus is transformed into a neutron and a [[positron]] (which is simply a "positive version" of the electron). To ensure [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/particles/parint.html rules of particle physics] hold, a tiny particle known as a [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/particles/neutrino.html neutrino] is also released.<ref name="RE3"/> The general equation representing beta positive decay is:

	<center><m>^A_ZX_N \rightarrow ^A_{Z-1}Y_{N+1} + e^+ + \nu</m></center>		<center><math>^A_ZX_N \rightarrow ^A_{Z-1}Y_{N+1} + e^+ + \nu</math></center>

	where:		where:
	* <m>^A_ZX_N</m> is the parent nucleus		* <math>^A_ZX_N</math> is the parent nucleus
	* <m>^A_{Z-1}Y_{N+1}</m> is the daughter nucleus		* <math>^A_{Z-1}Y_{N+1}</math> is the daughter nucleus
	* <m>e^+</m> is the released beta particle, a positron		* <math>e^+</math> is the released beta particle, a positron
	* <m>\nu</m> is the released neutrino		* <math>\nu</math> is the released neutrino

	In both beta minus and beta plus decay it is the [[weak nuclear force]] that results in the changing of a nucleon into a different nucleon.		In both beta minus and beta plus decay it is the [[weak nuclear force]] that results in the changing of a nucleon into a different nucleon.

Jmdonev at 18:48, 29 March 2016

2016-03-29T18:48:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:48, 29 March 2016
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	Elements that have beta decay can have useful medical applications. Radionuclide therapy (RNT) or radiotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses beta decay. In this process, lutetium-177 or yttrium-90 is attached to a molecule and ingested.<ref name="RE1">ChemTeacher. (July 22, 2015). ''Beta Decay'' [Online]. Available: http://chemteacher.chemeddl.org/services/chemteacher/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66M</ref> Once inside the body, this molecule travels to the cancer cells. The radioactive atoms then undergo a decay process, releasing beta particles and killing nearby cancer cells.		Elements that have beta decay can have useful medical applications. Radionuclide therapy (RNT) or radiotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses beta decay. In this process, lutetium-177 or yttrium-90 is attached to a molecule and ingested.<ref name="RE1">ChemTeacher. (July 22, 2015). ''Beta Decay'' [Online]. Available: http://chemteacher.chemeddl.org/services/chemteacher/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66M</ref> Once inside the body, this molecule travels to the cancer cells. The radioactive atoms then undergo a decay process, releasing beta particles and killing nearby cancer cells.

	Additionally, carbon dating relies on the properties of beta decay. To determine the approximate age of artifacts, wood, and animal remains the ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12 in an object must be determined.<ref name="RE1"/> Carbon-14 is generated from [[sunlight]] in the [[atmosphere]] from [[nitrogen]]-14, which plants breathe in with [[[photosynthesis]], and thus there is a certain amount of carbon-14 in organic remains. Plants are eaten by animals and get carbon-14 as well. When an organic body begins to decay, some of this carbon-14 becomes nitrogen-14 (through a beta decay process), and over the years the amount of carbon-14 in the sample is depleted.<ref name="RE1"/> By looking at the ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12, the approximate age of the artifact can be determined.		Additionally, carbon dating relies on the properties of beta decay. To determine the approximate age of artifacts, wood, and animal remains the ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12 in an object must be determined.<ref name="RE1"/> Carbon-14 is generated from [[sunlight]] in the [[atmosphere]] from [[nitrogen]]-14, which plants breathe in with [[photosynthesis]], and thus there is a certain amount of carbon-14 in organic remains. Plants are eaten by animals and get carbon-14 as well. When an organic body begins to decay, some of this carbon-14 becomes nitrogen-14 (through a beta decay process), and over the years the amount of carbon-14 in the sample is depleted.<ref name="RE1"/> By looking at the ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12, the approximate age of the artifact can be determined.

	To learn more about beta decay please see [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nuclear/beta.html hyperphysics].		To learn more about beta decay please see [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nuclear/beta.html hyperphysics].

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-08-26T21:30:47Z

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J.williams at 16:40, 12 August 2015

2015-08-12T16:40:39Z

New page

[[Category:Done 2015-07-24]]
[[File:betaminus.png|360px|thumb|right|Figure 1. A model of beta-minus decay, showing the ejection of an electron from the nucleus and the specific transformation of a neutron.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (July 22, 2015). ''Beta Minus Decay'' [Online]. Available: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Beta-minus_Decay.svg/1024px-Beta-minus_Decay.svg.png</ref>]]

<onlyinclude>'''Beta decay''' is a [[nuclear decay]] process where an unstable [[nucleus]] [[transmutation|transmutes]] and ejects particles to become more stable. There are two different types of beta decay - beta minus and beta plus.</onlyinclude> In both of these decays, a [[nucleon]] in the nucleus is transformed into a different type of nucleon, releasing particles in the process. Both beta minus and beta plus decay are moderately penetrating (ie the radiation can go deep inside a solid object). There's a closely related process called [[electron capture]], where an electron is captured in the nucleus which acts just like beta plus.

Beta minus decay occurs whenever a nucleus has too many [[neutron]]s. In this type, a neutron from the nucleus is transformed into a [[proton]] and an [[electron]], with the electron being ejected from the nucleus. To ensure the [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/particles/parint.html rules of particle physics] hold, a tiny particle known as an [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/particles/neutrino.html anti-neutrino] is also released.<ref name="RE3">Study Physics. (July 22, 2015). ''Beta Decay'' [Online]. Available: http://www.studyphysics.ca/2007/30/08_atomic/43_decay.pdf</ref> The general equation representing beta minus decay is:

<center><m>^A_ZX_N \rightarrow ^A_{Z+1}Y_{N-1} + e^- + \bar{\nu}</m></center>

where:
* <m>^A_ZX_N</m> is the parent nucleus
* <m>^A_{Z+1}Y_{N-1}</m> is the daughter nucleus
* <m>e^-</m> is the released beta particle, an electron
* <m>\bar{\nu}</m> is the released anti-neutrino

Beta plus decay comes from a nucleus with too many protons. In this type of decay, a proton from the nucleus is transformed into a neutron and a [[positron]] (which is simply a "positive version" of the electron). To ensure [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/particles/parint.html rules of particle physics] hold, a tiny particle known as a [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/particles/neutrino.html neutrino] is also released.<ref name="RE3"/> The general equation representing beta positive decay is:

<center><m>^A_ZX_N \rightarrow ^A_{Z-1}Y_{N+1} + e^+ + \nu</m></center>

where:
* <m>^A_ZX_N</m> is the parent nucleus
* <m>^A_{Z-1}Y_{N+1}</m> is the daughter nucleus
* <m>e^+</m> is the released beta particle, a positron
* <m>\nu</m> is the released neutrino

In both beta minus and beta plus decay it is the [[weak nuclear force]] that results in the changing of a nucleon into a different nucleon.

==Safety==
Beta radiation is slightly more penetrating than [[alpha decay|alpha radiation]], but still not nearly as penetrating as [[gamma decay|gamma radiation]]. Generally speaking, because beta radiation isn't extremely penetrating it is mainly an issue when ingested. If a beta source enters the body, it causes tissue damage and can increase the risk of cancer.<ref name="RE2">US EPA. (July 22, 2015). ''Beta Particles'' [Online]. Available: http://www.epa.gov/radiation/understand/beta.html#healtheffects</ref> Figure 2 shows the relative levels of penetration of a variety of different radiation types.

[[File:radiation_revised_2.png|400px|framed|center|Figure 2. Different penetration levels of different products of decay, with [[gamma decay|gamma]] being one of the most highly penetrating and [[alpha decay|alpha]] being one of the least penetrating.<ref>Chubu Electric Power. (May 26, 2015). ''Characteristics of radiation and radioactivity'' [Online]. Available: http://hamaoka.chuden.jp/english/radioactivity/aspect.html</ref><ref name=pic>''Created internally by a member of the Energy Education team''.</ref>]]

Exposure to beta [[radiation]] can cause a wide variety of health effects. Generally speaking, exposure to beta decay sources are chronic in nature. Chronic effects are the result of low-level exposures to beta radiation over an extended period of time, and can take anywhere between 5 and 30 years to develop.<ref name="RE2"/> The most prominent side effect of exposure is cancer. Some beta emitters are distributed throughout the body - such as carbon-14 (which occurs naturally at levels that cause no harm to the human body)- while others accumulate in specific organs. An example of this would be iodine-131, which concentrates in the thyroid gland and increases the risk of thyroid cancer.<ref name="RE2"/>

==Applications and Importance==
Elements that have beta decay can have useful medical applications. Radionuclide therapy (RNT) or radiotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses beta decay. In this process, lutetium-177 or yttrium-90 is attached to a molecule and ingested.<ref name="RE1">ChemTeacher. (July 22, 2015). ''Beta Decay'' [Online]. Available: http://chemteacher.chemeddl.org/services/chemteacher/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66M</ref> Once inside the body, this molecule travels to the cancer cells. The radioactive atoms then undergo a decay process, releasing beta particles and killing nearby cancer cells.

Additionally, carbon dating relies on the properties of beta decay. To determine the approximate age of artifacts, wood, and animal remains the ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12 in an object must be determined.<ref name="RE1"/> Carbon-14 is generated from [[sunlight]] in the [[atmosphere]] from [[nitrogen]]-14, which plants breathe in with [[[photosynthesis]], and thus there is a certain amount of carbon-14 in organic remains. Plants are eaten by animals and get carbon-14 as well. When an organic body begins to decay, some of this carbon-14 becomes nitrogen-14 (through a beta decay process), and over the years the amount of carbon-14 in the sample is depleted.<ref name="RE1"/> By looking at the ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12, the approximate age of the artifact can be determined.

To learn more about beta decay please see [http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nuclear/beta.html hyperphysics].

==PhET==
The [http://phet.colorado.edu/ University of Colorado] has graciously allowed us to use the following PhET simulation. This simulation illustrates how radioactive nuclei decay through beta decay, and shows the half-life of these atoms.
<center>
<html>
<div style="position: relative; width: 300px; height: 197px;"><a href="http://phet.colorado.edu/sims/nuclear-physics/beta-decay_en.jnlp" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://phet.colorado.edu/sims/nuclear-physics/beta-decay-600.png" alt="Beta Decay" style="border: none;" width="300" height="197"/><div style="position: absolute; width: 200px; height: 80px; left: 50px; top: 58px; background-color: #FFF; opacity: 0.6; filter: alpha(opacity = 60);"></div><table style="position: absolute; width: 200px; height: 80px; left: 50px; top: 58px;"><tr><td style="text-align: center; color: #000; font-size: 24px; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Click to Run</td></tr></table></a></div>
</html>
</center>

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Uploaded]]