A beta particle is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron emitted during the radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus. This process is known as beta decay, which occurs when a neutron in the nucleus transforms into a proton, releasing an electron (beta-minus) or when a proton transforms into a neutron, releasing a positron (beta-plus). Beta particles are a form of ionizing radiation and can penetrate materials more effectively than alpha particles. Beta particles are part of the broader category of subatomic particles, which also includes protons and neutrons. They play a significant role in nuclear physics and are used in various applications, such as medical treatments and radiography. Understanding beta particles helps scientists study the behavior of unstable isotopes and their interactions with matter.