Beta particles are a type of ionizing radiation that are commonly found in radioactive decay. They are emitted by certain types of atoms as they undergo a process known as beta decay. Beta particles are negatively charged and can travel at high speeds through a variety of materials. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of beta particles, as well as their origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and usage in example sentences.
Definitions
A beta particle is a high-energy electron or positron emitted by a radioactive nucleus during beta decay. Beta particles have a charge of -1 or +1 and a mass of approximately 1/1837 that of a proton. They can penetrate through materials such as paper, but can be stopped by thicker materials such as aluminum or lead.
Origin
The term “beta” comes from the second letter of the Greek alphabet, beta (β), which was used to distinguish beta particles from alpha particles (α) and gamma rays (γ) in early studies of radioactivity. The discovery of beta particles is credited to the French physicist Henri Becquerel, who observed their emission from uranium in 1896.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The definition of beta particle in different dictionaries is generally consistent with the above description. For example, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines beta particle as “a fast-moving electron or positron emitted by a radioactive nucleus during beta decay.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines beta particle as “a high-energy electron or positron emitted by a radioactive nucleus during beta decay.”
Associations
Beta particles are associated with radioactivity and nuclear decay. They are commonly used in medical applications, such as radiation therapy for cancer treatment. Beta particles are also used in industrial applications, such as measuring the thickness of materials.
Synonyms
Synonyms of beta particle include beta ray, beta radiation, and beta decay electron.
Antonyms
Antonyms of beta particle include alpha particle and gamma ray.
The same root words
Beta particles are related to the concept of beta decay, which is the process by which a nucleus emits a beta particle. The term “beta” comes from the fact that beta particles are the second type of radiation emitted in radioactive decay, after alpha particles.
Example Sentences
- The radiation therapist used beta particles to target the cancer cells.
- The beta decay of carbon-14 is used to determine the age of archaeological artifacts.
- The beta particle detector measured the amount of radiation in the room.
- Beta particles have a shorter range than alpha particles, but can penetrate through more materials.
- The beta radiation emitted by the radioactive source was shielded by a layer of lead.