* Beta decay is a nuclear process: Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay, which means it involves changes within the nucleus of an atom. Chemical reactions only involve changes in the arrangement of electrons in the outer shells of atoms.
* Thorium's decay: Thorium-232, the most common isotope of thorium, undergoes a series of radioactive decays. It primarily decays via alpha decay, emitting an alpha particle (which consists of two protons and two neutrons).
* Chemical reactions don't affect nuclear processes: Chemical reactions don't have enough energy to change the structure of a nucleus, which is held together by strong nuclear forces.
In summary: While thorium is radioactive and undergoes radioactive decay, this process is independent of any chemical reactions it might be involved in. Beta decay is not a chemical reaction, but rather a nuclear phenomenon.
