Beta particles are a type of subatomic particle that are emitted during the process of radioactive decay. They are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons that are produced when a neutron in an atomic nucleus transforms into a proton or vice versa. This transformation helps stabilize the nucleus of an atom, which can be found in certain isotopes of elements like carbon or uranium. Beta particles carry a negative charge when they are electrons and a positive charge when they are positrons. They can penetrate materials more effectively than alpha particles but are less penetrating than gamma rays. Due to their ability to ionize atoms, beta particles can be harmful to living tissues, making them important in fields like nuclear medicine and radiation safety.