Which type of decay involves the release of electrons from a nucleus?

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a nucleus releases electrons (or beta particles) as it transforms. This process occurs when a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton while emitting an electron and an antineutrino. As a result, the nucleus gains an additional proton, changing the element into a different one that is one atomic number higher on the periodic table.

In contrast, alpha decay involves the emission of alpha particles, which consist of two protons and two neutrons, resulting in a nucleus that has a reduced atomic mass and atomic number. Gamma decay does not involve the release of particles from the nucleus but rather the emission of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons produced when nuclear energy levels transition. Spontaneous decay is a general term that could reference any form of radioactive decay but does not specifically address the emission of electrons from the nucleus.

Understanding how beta decay operates is crucial for recognizing its role in nuclear reactions and the transformation of atoms, which is fundamental in fields such as nuclear physics and radiological health.