A free neutron decays into a proton but a free proton does not decay into neutron. This is because
A free neutron decays into a proton but a free proton does not decay into neutron. This is because
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Neutrons and protons are fundamental particles found within the atomic nucleus.
- neutron is an uncharged particle
- neutron has larger rest mass than proton
- neutron is a composite particle made of a proton and an electron
- proton is a charged particle
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
Neutrons and protons are nucleons, but neutrons are not composed of a proton and an electron. Neutrons have no net electric charge, so the electric force has a weaker effect on them.
- Free neutrons are unstable and undergo beta decay, with a mean lifetime of around 15 minutes.
- This decay is possible because the neutron's mass is slightly greater than that of a proton.
- In contrast, free protons are stable and do not decay into neutrons.
- Neutron decay involves the conversion of a neutron into a proton, an electron, and an electron antineutrino.
The correct answer is (b) a neutron has a larger rest mass than a proton.
Discover More From Chapter: Nuclei
Approach Solution -2
Neutrons and protons are fundamental particles found within the atomic nucleus. While they share similarities, they differ in stability and behavior.
Neutrons and Protons
- Neutrons and protons are both nucleons, constituting the building blocks of atomic nuclei.
- Neutrons have no net electric charge, while protons carry a positive charge.
Neutrons: Unstable and Beta Decay
- Free neutrons are unstable and have a mean lifetime of around 15 minutes.
- Neutrons undergo beta decay, a radioactive decay process, in which a neutron converts into a proton, an electron, and an electron antineutrino.
| Related Concepts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Physics | Nuclear Binding Energy | Radioactive Decay Formula |
| Nucleon | Size of the Nucleus | Mass Energy Equivalence |
| Geiger Counter | Deuteron Mass | Unit of Radioactivity |
Protons: Stability and Non-Decay
- Unlike neutrons, free protons are stable and do not naturally decay into neutrons.
- Protons remain intact due to their lower mass compared to neutrons, making the decay process energetically unfavorable.
Beta Decay Equation
- The beta decay of a neutron can be represented by the equation: n → p + e- + v̄e.
- In this equation, 'n' represents the neutron, 'p' represents the proton, 'e-' represents the electron, and 'v̄e' represents the electron antineutrino
Electric Charge and Forces
- Neutrons, being electrically neutral, are less affected by the electric force compared to charged particles like protons and electrons.
- Protons, having a positive charge, experience the electric force and contribute to the overall stability of atomic nuclei.
Neutrons and protons play essential roles in the structure and stability of atomic nuclei. Neutrons are unstable and undergo beta decay, converting into protons, electrons, and electron antineutrinos. In contrast, protons remain stable and do not naturally decay into neutrons.
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Concepts Used:
Nuclei
In the year 1911, Rutherford discovered the atomic nucleus along with his associates. It is already known that every atom is manufactured of positive charge and mass in the form of a nucleus that is concentrated at the center of the atom. More than 99.9% of the mass of an atom is located in the nucleus. Additionally, the size of the atom is of the order of 10-10 m and that of the nucleus is of the order of 10-15 m.
Read More: Nuclei
Following are the terms related to nucleus:
- Atomic Number
- Mass Number
- Nuclear Size
- Nuclear Density
- Atomic Mass Unit