Beta rays are a type of radiation consisting of high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive materials. They are produced during the process of beta decay, where an unstable atomic nucleus transforms into a more stable one by releasing these particles. Beta rays can penetrate materials more effectively than alpha particles but are less penetrating than gamma rays. When beta rays interact with matter, they can ionize atoms, which means they can knock electrons off atoms, potentially causing damage to living tissues. This property makes beta rays useful in various applications, including medical treatments, such as in radiation therapy for cancer, and in radiological imaging techniques.