Which fundamental force is responsible for radioactivity in beta decay?
Quick Answer
The weak nuclear force causes beta decay and other forms of radioactive decay. It changes one type of subatomic particle into another.
The Full Story
The weak nuclear force is responsible for processes such as beta decay, where a neutron can transform into a proton, electron, and antineutrino. It is essential in nuclear reactions inside the Sun, where it enables fusion pathways that power stellar energy production. The weak force is mediated by the W and Z bosons, discovered experimentally at CERN in 1983. Despite its name, it is not weak in every sense; it is simply much weaker and shorter-ranged than the strong force and electromagnetism.
Key Facts
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"The force that lets atoms change their identity"
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