Tag: Beta Decay
-
Carbon Dating
Introduction Carbon dating, also known as radiocarbon dating, is a scientific method used to determine the age of organic material. This technique is founded on the principles of radioactive decay, and specifically on the decay of carbon-14 isotope. Radioactive Decay of Carbon-14 Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope of carbon with a half-life of about 5,730…
-
Decay Chains
Introduction A decay chain, also known as a radioactive decay series or a radioactive cascade, is a sequence of radioactive decays of different radioactive isotopes, each decaying into a “daughter” isotope, which then decays into another, and so on until a stable isotope is reached. Types of Decay Three primary types of decay can occur…
-
Beta Decay
Introduction Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle is emitted from an atomic nucleus. Beta particles can be either an electron (in beta-minus decay) or a positron (in beta-plus decay), along with a corresponding antineutrino or neutrino, respectively. Beta Minus Decay In beta minus decay, a neutron in the…
-
Weak Nuclear Force
Introduction The weak nuclear force, also known as the weak interaction or weak force, is one of the four fundamental forces in nature, alongside gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong nuclear force. It’s responsible for certain types of radioactive decay, such as beta decay, and plays a critical role in nuclear fission. Basic Properties of Weak…