Tritium Beta Decay

³H → ³He + e⁻ + ν̄_e

Aperçu

Tritium (hydrogen-3) undergoes beta decay to helium-3 with a half-life of 12.3 years, emitting a very low energy electron (max 18.6 keV). The low beta energy means tritium radiation cannot penetrate skin and is only hazardous if ingested or inhaled. Tritium is produced in nuclear reactors and by cosmic rays.

Participants

Rôle	Substance	Coefficient	État
Réactif	Hydrogen H	1	(g)
Produit	Helium He	1	(g)

Exemple du quotidien

Self-luminous exit signs and watch dials use tritium gas sealed in phosphor-coated glass tubes that glow without batteries for over 10 years.

Importance industrielle

Tritium is used in self-luminous devices, as a tracer in hydrology, in nuclear weapons, and as fuel for D-T fusion reactors.

Propriétés

Type: Nuclear
Réversible: Non
Énergie: Exothermique
ΔH: -1800000,0 kJ/mol

Réactions associées

Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Neutron Capture by Uranium-238 Beta Decay of Iodine-131 Beta Decay of Strontium-90 Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Americium-241 Alpha Decay Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Electron Capture by Beryllium-7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Tritium Beta Decay?

The balanced equation is: ³H → ³He + e⁻ + ν̄ₑ.

What type of reaction is Tritium Beta Decay?

Tritium Beta Decay is a nuclear reaction.

Is Tritium Beta Decay exothermic or endothermic?

Tritium Beta Decay is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -1800000.0 kJ/mol.