The proton, electron, and the antineutrino move away from one another emitting the electron as a beta particle. The process is summarised by the equation: \(_0^1n\rightarrow_1^1p+_{-1}^{\,\,\,\,\, ...

Neutron physics and beta decay are critical areas of study in nuclear physics, focusing on the behavior of neutrons and the processes by which unstable nuclei transform into more stable forms.

Note that the mass numbers and atomic numbers are equal (i.e. they balance) on both sides of the equation. An unstable nucleus can emit a fast-moving electron called a beta (β) particle ...