Beta-Plus Radiation

Key Stage 5

Meaning

Beta-plus radiation consists of positrons (β⁺) emitted by unstable proton-rich nuclei.

About Beta-Plus Radiation

• Beta-plus radiation is emitted during beta-plus decay when a proton transmutes into a neutron, positron, and neutrino.
• Beta-plus radiation travels no further than about 2 mm in solids or liquids before being annihilated.
• Beta-plus emission results from proton to neutron conversion in the nucleus.
• Produces gamma rays upon annihilation with electrons.
• The positrons that make up beta-plus radiation are the antimatter counterparts of electrons.
• Beta-plus radiation helps in studying nuclear structures and particle interactions.

Examples

• Used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET scans) for medical imaging.
• Studied in particle physics to understand antimatter.