How is a neutron captured by a proton?

In summary, the conversation discusses the process of a neutron being captured by a proton to form a deuteron. This is due to the strong force between the two particles. The process is further explained in an article linked by one of the speakers.
  • #1
AntonL
521
0
I refer to the last paragraph of http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/46592

quote: A few hundred milliseconds later, the neutron is captured by a proton to form a deuteron

Can someone please explain how a proton captures a neutron or provide links to articles describing this
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
To elaborate a little more, it looks to me like the neutrinos interact with the protons of the Hydrogen that composes part of the mineral oil. Turning this lone proton into a neutron effectively "destroys" that atom, for lack of a better term, and the neutron is now a free neutron. It itself is has kinetic energy and is captured by another Hydrogen atom in the oil, resulting in the formation of Deuterium.

As to HOW the neutron is captured, that is simply because of the Strong force: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strong_force
 

1. What is the process of neutron capture by a proton?

Neutron capture by a proton, also known as neutron capture reaction, is the process in which a free neutron is absorbed by a proton, forming a deuteron or a hydrogen-2 nucleus.

2. What happens to the proton and neutron during this process?

During neutron capture, the neutron is incorporated into the nucleus of the atom, resulting in an increase in atomic mass. The proton remains in the nucleus and the number of protons remains the same, thus maintaining the element's identity.

3. How does neutron capture affect the stability of the nucleus?

Neutron capture can either stabilize or destabilize a nucleus, depending on the resulting nucleus. If the resulting nucleus has a lower energy state than the original one, it will become more stable. However, if the resulting nucleus has a higher energy state, it can lead to radioactive decay.

4. What are the applications of neutron capture by a proton?

Neutron capture reactions have various applications in different fields, such as nuclear power production, nuclear medicine, and neutron activation analysis. It is also used in scientific research to understand the properties of nuclei and to produce new elements.

5. Can neutron capture occur in all elements?

Neutron capture can occur in all elements, but the likelihood and stability of the resulting nucleus depend on the element's atomic structure. Elements with larger atomic numbers have a higher chance of undergoing neutron capture due to their larger number of protons and the resulting stronger nuclear force.

Similar threads

I 7Li(p,e+e−)8Be direct proton-capture reaction X17
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
7
Views
1K
B Can alpha radiation make other materials radioactive?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
1K
I How Does Beta Decay Relate to the Role of W Bosons in Weak Nuclear Force?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
Difference between Delta particles and protons and neutrons
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
15
Views
7K
Question-Rant on Hydrogen to Helium Fusion, and Proton to Neutron Conversion
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
19
Views
5K
About neutron decay in neutron stars
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
13
Views
2K
Understanding Gamma-Ray Emission in Gadolinium Neutron Capture
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
2K
How does D-T fusion reaction utilize its waste to create more fuel?
    • Nuclear Engineering
Replies
3
Views
1K
Inverse Beta Decay: Can Free Protons Change to Neutrons?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
5
Views
3K
Number of neutrons & stability?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
15
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top