beta-plus decay

Also known as: positive beta decay, positive beta-particle decay, positron emission(Show More)

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June 22, 2026

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Beta-plus decay, also known as positron emission, is a type of radioactive disintegration where an unstable atomic nucleus releases excess energy. In this process, a proton within the nucleus transforms into a neutron, emitting a positron (a positively charged electron) and a neutrino. This results in a daughter nucleus with an atomic number one less than the parent nucleus, while the mass number remains the same. This decay mode is typically observed in isotopes that are deficient in neutrons, as they move towards stability. For example, carbon-11 decays into boron-11 through beta-plus decay. This process was first observed in artificial nuclear reactions in 1934.12

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beta decay
In positron emission, also called positive beta decay (β⁺-decay), a proton in the parent nucleus decays into a neutron that remains in the daughter nucleus, and the nucleus emits a neutrino and a positron, which is a positive particle like an ordinary electron in mass but…
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In positron emission, also called positive beta decay (β⁺-decay), a proton in the parent nucleus decays into a neutron that remains in the daughter nucleus, and the nucleus emits a neutrino and a positron, which is a positive particle like an ordinary electron in mass but…
Read More

radioactivity
Beta-plus decay
During the 1930s new types of radioactivity were found among the artificial products of nuclear reactions: beta-plus decay, or positron emission, and electron capture. In beta-plus decay an energetic positron is created and emitted, along with a neutrino, and the nucleus transforms to…
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During the 1930s new types of radioactivity were found among the artificial products of nuclear reactions: beta-plus decay, or positron emission, and electron capture. In beta-plus decay an energetic positron is created and emitted, along with a neutrino, and the nucleus transforms to…
Read More

transuranium element
Discovery of the first transuranium elements
…number); this process is called positive beta-particle decay. In another type of beta decay a nuclear proton is transformed into a neutron when the nucleus, instead of emitting a beta particle, “captures,” or absorbs, one of the electrons orbiting the nucleus; this process of electron capture (EC decay) is preferred…
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…number); this process is called positive beta-particle decay. In another type of beta decay a nuclear proton is transformed into a neutron when the nucleus, instead of emitting a beta particle, “captures,” or absorbs, one of the electrons orbiting the nucleus; this process of electron capture (EC decay) is preferred…
Read More