How does beta-plus decay differ from beta-minus decay?

Beta-minus decay and beta-plus decay are two distinct processes of beta decay by which unstable nuclei undergo radioactive disintegration through the weak force. They differ primarily in the particles emitted and the resulting change in the atomic number of the daughter nucleus.12

Key Differences

• Beta-minus (${\beta }^{-}$) decay: An unstable nucleus emits an energetic electron and an antineutrino. During this process, a neutron in the nucleus transforms into a proton. Consequently, the daughter nucleus has an atomic number that is one higher than the parent, while the mass number remains unchanged. This process is typical for neutron-rich isotopes.31

• Beta-plus (${\beta }^{+}$) decay: Also known as positron emission, the nucleus emits a positron (a positive electron) and a neutrino. In this case, a proton in the parent nucleus transforms into a neutron. As a result, the daughter nucleus has an atomic number that is one lower than the parent, with the mass number remaining the same. This process is common in proton-rich, neutron-deficient isotopes.1