Which term refers to the decomposition of a neutron, producing high-energy electrons?

The correct answer is beta radiation, which is characterized by the process where a neutron decays into a proton while emitting a high-energy electron, known as a beta particle. This transformation involves the weak nuclear force and is a common form of radioactive decay.

In beta radiation, the emitted high-energy electron carries significant energy, allowing it to penetrate various materials to some degree, unlike alpha particles which have low penetration power due to their larger mass and positive charge. In contrast, gamma radiation involves the emission of high-energy photons, not particles like electrons or protons, while radiation emission is a broader term that does not specify the type of decay or radiation involved. Alpha radiation pertains to the release of helium nuclei, which is a different process from the neutron decomposition described in the question.

Understanding these distinctions highlights how beta radiation specifically involves the decomposition of a neutron to produce high-energy electrons.