What is the main characteristic of beta radiation?

Beta radiation is characterized by its composition, which includes fast-moving electrons or positrons. This type of radiation occurs during the process of beta decay, where a neutron in an unstable nucleus transforms into a proton while emitting a beta particle, which is ideally an electron when considering beta minus decay or a positron in the case of beta plus decay.

This characteristic is significant because it distinguishes beta radiation from other forms of radiation. For example, alpha particles are composed of two protons and two neutrons, making them relatively heavy and positively charged. In contrast, beta particles are lighter and carry a negative or positive charge, allowing them to penetrate materials more effectively than alpha particles.

Understanding the nature of beta radiation is essential for comprehending its behavior in different materials and its applications in areas like medical imaging and cancer treatment.