beta decay
noun
: a radioactive nuclear transformation governed by the weak force in which a nucleon (such as a neutron) changes into a nucleon (such as a proton) of the other type with the emission of either an electron and an antineutrino or a positron and a neutrino
Examples of beta decay in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As a result of this process, known as beta decay, the nucleus also emits an electron or its antimatter partner, the positron.
—
Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 11 June 2024
In double beta decay, the interaction is doubled: Two neutrons simultaneously decay into two protons.
—Dolly Setton, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2014
Rarely, a proton in the oil will absorb an electron antineutrino to turn into a neutron while ejecting a positron—sort of the reverse of beta decay.
—Byadrian Cho, science.org, 11 Jan. 2023
Wu was the first scientist to confirm — and later refine — Enrico Fermi’s theory of radioactive beta decay.
—Megan Schmidt, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2020
If this is the case, then when double beta decay occurs, two neutrinos would be produced and immediately annihilated, leaving none behind.
—Joanna Thompson, Scientific American, 1 July 2022
Over multiple experiments, Pauli’s contemporaries had noticed an accounting error when observing beta decay, a process by which certain radioactive atoms break down.
—Joanna Thompson, Scientific American, 15 June 2022
Fermi’s model of beta decay took a vague suggestion by Wolfgang Pauli and turned it into a rigorous mathematical theory, and his work in statistical physics is critical to modern condensed matter physics.
—Chad Orzel, Forbes, 25 June 2021
The basic structure of beta decay is a neutron decays into a proton, electron, and neutrino.
—Don Lincoln, Forbes, 18 May 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 11 June 2024
In double beta decay, the interaction is doubled: Two neutrons simultaneously decay into two protons.
—Dolly Setton, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2014
Rarely, a proton in the oil will absorb an electron antineutrino to turn into a neutron while ejecting a positron—sort of the reverse of beta decay.
—Byadrian Cho, science.org, 11 Jan. 2023
Wu was the first scientist to confirm — and later refine — Enrico Fermi’s theory of radioactive beta decay.
—Megan Schmidt, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2020
If this is the case, then when double beta decay occurs, two neutrinos would be produced and immediately annihilated, leaving none behind.
—Joanna Thompson, Scientific American, 1 July 2022
Over multiple experiments, Pauli’s contemporaries had noticed an accounting error when observing beta decay, a process by which certain radioactive atoms break down.
—Joanna Thompson, Scientific American, 15 June 2022
Fermi’s model of beta decay took a vague suggestion by Wolfgang Pauli and turned it into a rigorous mathematical theory, and his work in statistical physics is critical to modern condensed matter physics.
—Chad Orzel, Forbes, 25 June 2021
The basic structure of beta decay is a neutron decays into a proton, electron, and neutrino.
—Don Lincoln, Forbes, 18 May 2021
Dictionary Entries Near beta decay
Cite this Entry
“Beta decay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta%20decay. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share