How does a radioactive nucleus emit electrons when it doesn't contain any?

When a beta decay occurs there are a couple of things you need to remember. First of all you are right, the nucleus doesn't contain any electrons. It does however contain neutrons and protons. We know that protons have a +1 charge while electrons have a -1 charge, these cancel out when they are balanced. Now let's say we take a neutron of zero charge and split it into a +1 and -1 charge so that it is still overall zero charge. We will get a proton and electron, but the electron doesn't want to exist in the nucleus and so it is emitted. This is what happens in a radioactive nucleus in order for it to emit beta radiation.

Answered by Aisling C. Physics tutor

8058 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the process of the big bang


What are Balanced Forces?


How does a vacuum flask keep a beverage warm for long periods? (6 Marks)


A roller coaster car starts stationary at the top of a downwards slope. At the bottom of the slope, it has a speed of 30m/s. Use the conservation of energy to find the vertical height of the slope. (Use g=10 m/s^2)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences