Forces between electrons or positrons and nucleons that result in beta decay are best understood in terms of
A) the strong nuclear interaction.
B) the electromagnetic interaction.
C) the weak nuclear interaction.
D) the gravitational interaction.
E) None of these is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Beta decay occurs due to the weak nuclear interaction, which is responsible for the conversion of neutrons into protons and vice versa. This interaction involves the exchange of W and Z bosons between particles and is much weaker than the strong nuclear interaction, which binds nucleons together in the nucleus, and the electromagnetic interaction, which is responsible for interactions between charged particles. The gravitational interaction is negligible on the nuclear and subatomic scale.

Forces Between Electrons or Positrons and Nucleons That Result in Beta