beta rays
Definition
- Noun (plural):
- Streams of beta particles: "beta rays" are streams of high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain radioactive substances during beta decay.
Usage Examples
- (The scientist detected the flow of beta particles from the decaying material.)
- (Beta rays are less penetrating than gamma rays but more penetrating than alpha rays.)
Advanced Usage
"beta radiation": often used interchangeably with "beta rays" to describe the emission of beta particles.
- Beta radiation is used in medical treatments such as brachytherapy. (Beta radiation is applied in cancer therapy.)
"beta decay": the nuclear process that produces beta rays.
- The element undergoes beta decay, releasing beta rays and an antineutrino. (The nucleus transforms by emitting a beta particle.)
Variants and Related Words
Beta particle (n): a single electron or positron emitted during beta decay.
- Each beta particle carries a negative charge. (Each individual electron from beta decay is charged.)
Beta emitter (n): a radioactive substance that primarily emits beta rays.
- Strontium-90 is a common beta emitter used in industrial gauges. (Strontium-90 releases beta particles.)
Synonyms
- Beta radiation: the phenomenon of emitting beta particles.
- Electron radiation: a term sometimes used for beta rays composed of electrons (not positrons).
Related Idioms