Sample interview questions: Can you explain the concept of beta decay and its importance in nuclear physics?
Sample answer:
Concept of Beta Decay:
Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron or proton within an atomic nucleus undergoes a transformation. There are two main types of beta decay:
- Beta-minus decay (β−): A neutron in the nucleus decays into a proton, emitting an electron and an antineutrino (e− + ν̄e).
- Beta-plus decay (β+): A proton in the nucleus decays into a neutron, emitting a positron and a neutrino (e+ + νe).
Importance in Nuclear Physics:
Beta decay plays a crucial role in various aspects of nuclear physics:
- Nuclear Chemistry: Beta decay is used to understand the decay of radioactive isotopes and determine their half-lives.
- Nuclear Structure: Beta decay can provide insights into the structure and stability of atomic nuclei, as it affects the neutron-to-proton ratio.
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