What does "beta decay" involve in radiation safety?

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay that specifically involves the transformation of a neutron into a proton within an unstable atomic nucleus. During this process, a beta particle, which can be either an electron (beta minus decay) or a positron (beta plus decay), is emitted. This transformation is significant in the context of radiation safety because it directly contributes to the understanding of how certain isotopes behave when they decay, the types of radiation they emit, and how that radiation interacts with matter. Understanding beta decay helps safety professionals assess the potential hazards posed by certain radioactive materials, implement appropriate shielding techniques, and establish safety protocols for handling radioactive substances. Since beta particles penetrate matter more effectively than alpha particles but are less penetrating than gamma rays, knowing the nature of beta decay is crucial for radiation protection and risk assessment.