(2) A beta ray is a high-energy,high-speed electron (negativelycharged) or positron (positively charged) emitted in theradioactive decay of an atomicnucleus, such as a potassium-40 nucleus, in the processof beta decay. Two forms ofbeta decay, b– and b+, respectivelyproduce electrons andpositrons. Beta radiationtakes the form of either anelectron or a positron beingemitted from the nucleus ofan atom.