How is it possible for a positively charged nucleus to release a negatively charged beta particle?
2 Answers
The nucleus not only contains positively charged protons it also has neutrons with both positive and negative charges
Explanation:
The neutrons can release a negatively charged beta particles. This causes the neutron to become a proton changing the positive charge and nature of the atom's nucleus
The classic example of this is the beta decay of Carbon 14. Carbon 14 is an unstable isotope of Carbon created by radiation in the atmosphere. Being unstable the Carbon 14 nucleus will undergo radioactive decay, in this case beta decay.
Carbon 14 has 6 protons and 8 neutrons. This is too many neutrons from nuclear stability. One of the neutrons undergoes beta decay releasing an electron and become a proton. The result of this beta decay and release of an electron is that the nucleus now has 7 protons and 7 neutrons and become nitrogen 14 a very stable atom.
Beta particles are electrons
Explanation:
When beta radiation is admitted, this has the symbol 0 for the mass number and -1 for the relative atomic mass. This means that the beta particle is negatively charged and is therefor an electron. If a beta particle is admitted form say Uranium 235, and the beta particle is 0, -1, the atomic mass will increase therefore a neutron will change to a proton.
