Beta radiation

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Beta radiation is the emission of electrons or positrons during the radioactive decay process or during a nuclear reaction. Beta radiation has an energy continuum. The maximum energy E_ßmax is always quoted, e.g. for P-32 decay this is 1.7 MeV. Beta radiation is easily absorbed by thin layers (e.g. plastic or 1 cm aluminium).

Diagram beta radiation

Energy distribution of the electrons (ß^- particles) emitted during the ß^- decay of P-32.

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