Tritium Beta Decay

3H → 3He + e− + ν̄e

Overview

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

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Hydrogen H 1 (g)
Product Helium He 1 (g)

Everyday Example

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

Industrial Importance

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

Properties

Type
Nuclear
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-1800000.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Alpha Decay of Uranium-238 Americium-241 Alpha Decay Beta Decay of Carbon-14 Beta Decay of Cesium-137 Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Beta Decay of Iodine-131

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.