The proton, electron, and the antineutrino move away from one another emitting the electron as a beta particle. The process is summarised by the equation: \(_0^1n\rightarrow_1^1p+_{-1}^{\,\,\,\,\, ...

Note that the mass numbers and atomic numbers are equal (i.e. they balance) on both sides of the equation. An unstable nucleus can emit a fast-moving electron called a beta (β) particle ...