Beta decay describes a number of processes involving the transformation of atomic nuclei and the resulting release of radiation in the form of beta particles. Beta decay is one of three principal forms of radioactive decay: alpha, beta, and gamma. During the process of radioactive decay, unstable nuclei are converted into more stable forms as they release electromagnetic radiation, subatomic particles, or both.

There are various mechanisms and forms of beta decay (e.g., negative beta decay, neutron beta decay, double beta decay, inverse beta decay, etc.). During beta decay the nucleon (protons and neutrons) composition of the atomic nucleus changes, either by the transformation of a neutron into a proton or by the transformation of a proton into a neutron. Beta decay, like other radioactive decay processes, is a spontaneous event among unstable atoms. The processes of beta decay are very fast, usually occurring in...