Beta decay

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/beta-decay

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the key particles involved?Neutrons, protons, electrons, positrons, neutrinos, and antineutrinos
2. What is the applications?Used in radiometric dating, medical imaging (PET scans), and radiation therapy
3. Why do some atoms do beta-minus decay while others do beta-plus decay?Atoms with too many neutrons do beta‑minus decay, turning a neutron into a proton. Atoms with too many protons do beta‑plus decay or capture an electron, turning a proton into a neutron.
4. How does beta decay release energy?The decay releases a positive amount of energy called the Q‑value. This energy makes the process happen on its own.

Nuclide: A specific type of atom characterized by its proton and neutron count.
Weak Nuclear Force: A fundamental force responsible for radioactive decay and changing particle types.
Quark: Fundamental constituents of protons and neutrons, possessing fractional electric charge.
Q-value: The energy released or absorbed during a nuclear reaction or decay.