Question:
The decay of a proton to neutron is:
The decay of a proton to neutron is:
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Free neutrons decay into protons (half-life \(\approx\) 10 mins), but free protons never decay into neutrons.
Updated On: Jan 12, 2026
- not possible as proton mass is less than the neutron mass
- possible only inside the nucleus
- always possible as it is associated only with \(\beta^+\) decay
- not possible but neutron to proton conversion is possible
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: A free proton is stable and cannot decay into a heavier neutron (\(m_p<m_n\)) because it would violate conservation of energy.
Step 2: However, inside a nucleus, a proton can convert into a neutron via \(\beta^+\) decay (\(p \rightarrow n + e^+ + \nu\)).
Step 3: This is possible because the required energy comes from the binding energy of the surrounding nucleus.
Step 2: However, inside a nucleus, a proton can convert into a neutron via \(\beta^+\) decay (\(p \rightarrow n + e^+ + \nu\)).
Step 3: This is possible because the required energy comes from the binding energy of the surrounding nucleus.
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