high-speed electrons or positrons, especially those emitted in radioactive decay.
High-energy electrons released by radioactive decay.
Beta particle is a charged particle emitted from a radioactive atomic nucleus either natural or manufactured. The energies of beta particles range from 0 to 4 MeV. They carry a single charge; if this is negative, the particle is identical with an electron; if positive, it is a positron. An unstable atomic nucleus changes into a nucleus of the same mass number but different proton number with the emission of an electron and an antineutrino (or a positron and a neutrino)
electrons ejected from the nucleus of a decaying atom. Although they can be stopped by a thin sheet of aluminum, beta particles can penetrate the dead skin layer, potentially causing burns. They can pose a serious direct or external radiation threat and can be lethal depending on the amount received. They also pose a serious internal radiation threat if beta-emitting atoms are ingested or inhaled. See also alpha particle, gamma ray, neutron, x-ray.
Radioactive elements can emit several types of radiation. Beta particles are very fast moving electrons. The particles have a velocity of between 30-99% speed of light, and it is this velocity which gives the beta particles greater penetrating power than alpha particles.
An electron or positron emitted by certain radioactive nuclei. Beta particles can be stopped by aluminum. They can pose a serious direct or external radiation threat and can be lethal depending on the amount received. They also pose a serious internal radiation threat if inhaled or ingested. [For additional information see Understanding Radiation: Beta Particles.] return to: [] [ previous location
High-energy electrons; a form of ionizing radiation that normally is stopped by the skin, or a very thin sheet of metal.
These particles are fast moving electrons, which are negatively charged. Beta radiation can penetrate a few millimeters into human tissue before losing all its energy. Iodine-131, phosphorus-32 and strontium-90 are sources of beta radiation.
These are high speed electrons that are emitted from the nucleus of an atom.
Negatively charged particles emitted from an atom. Beta particles have a mass and charge equal to that of an electron. They are very light particles (about 2,000 times less mass than a proton) and have a charge of -1. Because of their light mass and single charge, beta particles can penetrate more deeply than alpha particles. A few millimeters of aluminum will stop most beta particles.
