beta decay
noun
: a radioactive nuclear transformation governed by the weak force in which a nucleon (such as a neutron) changes into a nucleon (such as a proton) of the other type with the emission of either an electron and an antineutrino or a positron and a neutrino
Examples of beta decay in a Sentence
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It is also built with the potential for future upgrades, such as a leading search for neutrinoless double-beta decay.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2025
As a result of this process, known as beta decay, the nucleus also emits an electron or its antimatter partner, the positron.
—Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 11 June 2024
Rarely, a proton in the oil will absorb an electron antineutrino to turn into a neutron while ejecting a positron—sort of the reverse of beta decay.
—Byadrian Cho, science.org, 11 Jan. 2023
If this is the case, then when double beta decay occurs, two neutrinos would be produced and immediately annihilated, leaving none behind.
—Joanna Thompson, Scientific American, 1 July 2022
Fermi’s model of beta decay took a vague suggestion by Wolfgang Pauli and turned it into a rigorous mathematical theory, and his work in statistical physics is critical to modern condensed matter physics.
—Chad Orzel, Forbes, 25 June 2021
Wu was the first scientist to confirm — and later refine — Enrico Fermi’s theory of radioactive beta decay.
—Megan Schmidt, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2020
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Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2025
As a result of this process, known as beta decay, the nucleus also emits an electron or its antimatter partner, the positron.
—Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 11 June 2024
Rarely, a proton in the oil will absorb an electron antineutrino to turn into a neutron while ejecting a positron—sort of the reverse of beta decay.
—Byadrian Cho, science.org, 11 Jan. 2023
If this is the case, then when double beta decay occurs, two neutrinos would be produced and immediately annihilated, leaving none behind.
—Joanna Thompson, Scientific American, 1 July 2022
Fermi’s model of beta decay took a vague suggestion by Wolfgang Pauli and turned it into a rigorous mathematical theory, and his work in statistical physics is critical to modern condensed matter physics.
—Chad Orzel, Forbes, 25 June 2021
Wu was the first scientist to confirm — and later refine — Enrico Fermi’s theory of radioactive beta decay.
—Megan Schmidt, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Beta decay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta%20decay. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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