Beta Decay

n \rightarrow p + e^- + \bar{\nu}_e

Beta-minus decay: a neutron converts to a proton, emitting an electron and antineutrino. This increases the atomic number by 1 while keeping mass number constant.

Variables

Neutron

unitless

Proton

unitless

e^-

Electron (beta particle)

unitless

ν̄_e

Electron antineutrino

unitless

Derivation

Mediated by the weak nuclear force through W boson exchange.

Your notes

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Where this formula is listed

Modern Physics formulas, under Nuclear Physics, alongside Activity, Nuclear Binding Energy, Alpha Decay Energy (Q-value) and Nuclear Radius.
In the modern physics list it comes after Alpha Decay Energy (Q-value) and before Nuclear Radius.
Modern Physics formula sheet, one of 41 formulas printed with symbol keys and SI units.
The full formula index, grouped by category and topic.

Common questions

What is the Beta Decay formula?

Beta Decay is written n → p + e⁻ + ν̄_e. Beta-minus decay: a neutron converts to a proton, emitting an electron and antineutrino. This increases the atomic number by 1 while keeping mass number constant. It belongs to Modern Physics, under Nuclear Physics.

What are the units in n → p + e⁻ + ν̄_e?

In SI units, n is neutron (dimensionless); p is proton (dimensionless); e⁻ is electron (beta particle) (dimensionless); ν̄_e is electron antineutrino (dimensionless).

How is the Beta Decay formula derived?

Mediated by the weak nuclear force through W boson exchange. The result is n → p + e⁻ + ν̄_e.