Answers.com > Wiki Answers > Categories > Science > Physics > Are beta emitters and beta particles the same?

Are beta emitters and beta particles the same?

In: Physics [Edit categories]

Answer:

There is a difference between beta emitters and beta particles. In situations where an atomic nucleus exhibits nuclear instability due to too many neutrons for the number of protons or vice versa, that nucleus may undergo beta decay. It the decay event occurs, that atom is considered a beta emitter. The emitted particle is the beta particle. That's the difference. (There are two different beta particles, so check the articles on beta decay to get the scoop.)

First answer by Quirkyquantummechanic. Last edit by Quirkyquantummechanic. Contributor trust: 3689 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 15 [recommend question].

[report abuse]

Sources and related links: [Edit]

Wikipedia: Beta decay

Can you answer these Physics questions?

	Who saw the first cell nucleus?	Answer it!
	What are some properties of transistors?	Answer it!
	Why you use a compensating glass in interferometer?	Answer it!
	What is the physical significance of momentum?	Answer it!
	What effects do earths magnetic field and the ozone layer have on earth?	Answer it!

Relevant answers:

Is beta decay the same as a beta particle?
No, beta decay isn't the same as a beta particle, but a beta particle is emitted in beta decay. There are two kinds of beta decay, and they are beta minus and beta plus decay. In these decay events,...
How are alpha and beta particles the same?
Alpha and beta particles are the same in that changes in unstable atomic nuclei can release alpha particles or can beta particles (depending on the isotope involved), and both are forms of...
How do you know when a particle is a beta emitter?
In the physics laboratory, an investigator might use a proportional detector or a scintillation counter to determine when a source is beta emitter. The problem is that a lot of "generalized"...
Is the negative meson the same as the beta particle?
No. Beta particles are electrons (sometimes positrons, the antiparticles of electrons, are referred to as betas also). "Negative meson" is not a specific particle. It would be a type of particle...
What is a beta particle?
A beta particle is two particles emitted in the form of radioactive decay called beta decay. It is either an electron and an electron anti neutrino, which is emitted in beta- decay, or a positron and...