Can some explain Beta Decay to me?

Question

Can you explain what Beta Decay is to me? I don't have a advanced understanding of Quantum Physics much, but I would like to know.

Answer 1

In the broad sense, beta decay is any process that results in the emission of a lepton (e.g., an electron, positron, or muon.) The simplest beta decay is that of a free neutron:

n --> p + e- + nu, a neutron decays into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino, with the release of energy.

Answer 2

Beta decay is simply a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (either an electron or a positron) is emitted. If the emission is an electron, the state is called Beta Minus and it's called Beta Plus if the emission is a positron. I don't know if that will help you, but that is the most basic answer to your question. It gets more complicated when you break it down further...things like necessary energy input if the decay is positive and quark conversion if the decay is negative, but I think the above answer might best meet your needs.