Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted during the radioactive decay of certain atomic nuclei. This process, known as beta decay, 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). These particles are a form of ionizing radiation, which means they can remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, potentially causing damage to living tissues. Beta particles can penetrate materials more effectively than alpha particles but are less penetrating than gamma rays, making them significant in both nuclear physics and medical applications.