what is β
In nuclear physics, beta decay (Î² -decay) is a type of radioactive decay in which a proton is transformed into a neutron, or vice versa, inside an atomic nucleus.This process allows the atom to move closer to the optimal ratio of protons and neutrons.n Î²+ decay, or positron emission, the weak interaction converts an atomic nucleus into a nucleus with atomic number decreased by one, while emitting a positron (e+) and an electron neutrino (Î½ e).