kids encyclopedia robot

Beta particle facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Beta particles are tiny, fast-moving particles. They are either electrons or positrons. These particles are shot out from the center, or nucleus, of certain radioactive atoms. Think of atoms like potassium-40 or carbon-14. When carbon-14 gives off a beta particle, it changes into nitrogen-14.

Beta particles are a type of ionizing radiation. This means they have enough energy to knock electrons off other atoms. This can change those atoms. Scientists sometimes call them beta rays.

Two famous scientists, Henri Becquerel and Ernest Rutherford, first found beta rays in the 1890s. Beta particles are created during a process called beta decay. When scientists write about beta particles in equations, they use the Greek letter beta (β).

There are two main types of beta decay. They are called β- (beta-minus) and β+ (beta-plus). Beta-minus decay creates an electron. An electron has a negative electric charge. Beta-plus decay creates a positron. A positron is like an electron but has a positive charge. Both types of beta decay also change a neutron inside the atom's nucleus into a proton.

What Are Beta Particles?

Beta particles are very small. They are much lighter than protons or neutrons. They move very fast, sometimes close to the speed of light. Because they are so small and fast, they can travel through materials. However, they can be stopped by a thin sheet of metal, like aluminum.

Electrons and Positrons

An electron is a basic part of every atom. It carries a negative electric charge. A positron is like an electron, but it has a positive charge instead. It is also called an "anti-electron." When a positron meets an electron, they destroy each other. This process releases energy.

How Are Beta Particles Made?

Beta particles are made when an unstable atom's nucleus changes. This change is called beta decay. Atoms become unstable when they have too many neutrons or too many protons. To become stable, they release energy and particles.

Beta-Minus Decay (β-)

In beta-minus decay, a neutron inside the nucleus changes into a proton. When this happens, an electron (the beta particle) is shot out. An anti-neutrino is also released. This type of decay happens in atoms that have too many neutrons. For example, carbon-14 decays into nitrogen-14 this way. The atomic number of the atom goes up by one.

Beta-Plus Decay (β+)

In beta-plus decay, a proton inside the nucleus changes into a neutron. When this happens, a positron (the beta particle) is shot out. A neutrino is also released. This type of decay happens in atoms that have too many protons. The atomic number of the atom goes down by one.

Where Do We Find Beta Particles?

Beta particles are a natural part of our world. They come from many radioactive materials. These materials can be found in rocks, soil, and even in our bodies.

Natural Sources

Many elements found in nature are radioactive. This means their atoms decay over time. For example, potassium-40 is a common radioactive element. It is found in bananas and other foods. It decays by emitting beta particles. Carbon-14 is another natural source. It is used by scientists to figure out the age of old objects.

Human-Made Sources

Beta particles are also made in some human activities. They are used in medicine for imaging and treatment. For example, some medical tests use radioactive tracers that emit beta particles. These particles help doctors see what is happening inside the body. They are also used in some industrial tools.

Uses of Beta Particles

Beta particles have several important uses in science and everyday life.

Medical Uses

  • Medical Imaging: Beta-emitting substances can be put into the body. They help doctors see organs and tissues. This is used in PET scans.
  • Cancer Treatment: Some types of cancer can be treated using beta particles. The particles are aimed at cancer cells to destroy them. This is called radiotherapy.

Industrial Uses

  • Thickness Gauges: Beta particles can measure the thickness of materials. As the material gets thicker, fewer beta particles pass through. This is used in making paper or plastic.
  • Tracers: In industry, beta-emitting materials can be used to track leaks in pipes. They can also follow the flow of liquids.

Scientific Research

  • Carbon Dating: Scientists use the decay of carbon-14 (which emits beta particles) to find the age of ancient artifacts and fossils. This helps us understand history.
  • Studying Materials: Beta particles are used to study the properties of different materials.

Safety with Beta Particles

Beta particles are a form of ionizing radiation. This means they can cause harm if not handled carefully.

Protection

  • Shielding: A thin sheet of aluminum or plastic can stop most beta particles.
  • Distance: The further you are from a source of beta particles, the safer you are.
  • Time: Limit the time you spend near radioactive sources.

Scientists and workers who deal with radioactive materials use special equipment. They follow strict safety rules to protect themselves.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Partícula beta para niños

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Beta particle Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.