Question:
The decay of a proton to neutron is:
The decay of a proton to neutron is:
Show Hint
Free neutrons decay into protons (half-life \(\approx\) 10 mins), but free protons never decay into neutrons.
Updated On: Feb 2, 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
Hide Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
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.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top Questions on Nuclei
- Which of the following pair of nuclei are isobars of the element?
- The average energy released per fission for the nucleus of $^{235_{92}U$ is 190 MeV. When all the atoms of 47 g pure $^{235}_{92}U$ undergo fission process, the energy released is $\alpha \times 10^{23}$ MeV. The value of $\alpha$ is ___. (Avogadro Number $= 6 \times 10^{23}$ per mole)}
- If the radius of the first Bohr orbit is \( r \), then the radius of the second Bohr orbit will be
- If the mean life of a radioactive sample is 10 minutes, then the time (in minutes) taken for the activity of the radioactive sample to become $\mathrm{e}^{21}$ times its initial activity is
- In a nuclear fusion reaction, if the mass defect is 0.25%, then the energy released in the fusion of 400 $\mu$g mass of a substance is
View More Questions
Questions Asked in JEE Main exam
- A 20 m long uniform copper wire held horizontally is allowed to fall under the gravity (g = 10 m/s²) through a uniform horizontal magnetic field of 0.5 Gauss perpendicular to the length of the wire. The induced EMF across the wire when it travels a vertical distance of 200 m is_______ mV.}
- JEE Main - 2026
- Thermodynamics
- If the end points of chord of parabola \(y^2 = 12x\) are \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\) and it subtend \(90^\circ\) at the vertex of parabola then \((x_1x_2 - y_1y_2)\) equals :
- JEE Main - 2026
- Probability
- The sum of all possible values of \( n \in \mathbb{N} \), so that the coefficients of \(x, x^2\) and \(x^3\) in the expansion of \((1+x^2)^2(1+x)^n\) are in arithmetic progression is :
- JEE Main - 2026
- Integration
- In a microscope of tube length $10\,\text{cm}$ two convex lenses are arranged with focal lengths $2\,\text{cm}$ and $5\,\text{cm}$. Total magnification obtained with this system for normal adjustment is $(5)^k$. The value of $k$ is ___.
- JEE Main - 2026
- Optical Instruments
Which one of the following graphs accurately represents the plot of partial pressure of CS₂ vs its mole fraction in a mixture of acetone and CS₂ at constant temperature?
- JEE Main - 2026
- Organic Chemistry
View More Questions