Medium MCQ +4 / -1 PYQ · JEE Mains 2021

The decay of a proton to neutron is :

  1. A always possible as it is associated only with $\beta$<sup>+</sup> decay
  2. B possible only inside the nucleus Correct answer
  3. C not possible as proton mass is less than the neutron mass
  4. D not possible but neutron to proton conversation is possible

Solution

Positron emission or Beta plus decay is a subtype of radioactive decay called Beta decay, in which a proton inside a nucleus is converted into a neutron while releasing a positron and an electron neutrino. <br><br>So, decay of a proton to neutron is possible only inside the nucleus. Free proton cannot decay to neutron as mass of proton is less compared to neutron so to decay into higher mass, proton need extra energy which free proton can’t get, only proton inside nucleus can get.

About this question

Subject: Physics · Chapter: Atoms and Nuclei · Topic: Bohr's Model of Hydrogen Atom

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