Which process creates beta particles?

Which process creates beta particles?

• A. Conversion of a proton to a neutron or a neutron to a proton.
• B. Emission of alpha particles from the nucleus.
• C. Nuclear fission producing neutrons.
• D. Absorption of gamma photons by electrons.

Answer: (A)

Beta particles come from beta decay, which occurs when a nucleon changes type via the weak interaction. In beta minus decay, a neutron turns into a proton and emits an electron (the beta particle) plus an antineutrino. In beta plus decay, a proton turns into a neutron and emits a positron plus a neutrino. The description of converting a proton to a neutron or a neutron to a proton captures this transformation that creates the beta particle. The other options involve emitting an alpha particle, producing neutrons from fission, or gamma absorption by electrons, none of which produce beta radiation.

Beta particles come from beta decay, which occurs when a nucleon changes type via the weak interaction. In beta minus decay, a neutron turns into a proton and emits an electron (the beta particle) plus an antineutrino. In beta plus decay, a proton turns into a neutron and emits a positron plus a neutrino. The description of converting a proton to a neutron or a neutron to a proton captures this transformation that creates the beta particle. The other options involve emitting an alpha particle, producing neutrons from fission, or gamma absorption by electrons, none of which produce beta radiation.