Exploring Beta Minus Decay: Neutrons to Protons Conversion in Unstable Nuclei

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    Beta Decay
In summary, in beta decay, unstable nuclei with excess neutrons can turn into protons by emitting electrons and electron antineutrinos. However, the resulting protons stay within the nucleus. There is no known case where protons, electrons, and electron antineutrinos are emitted simultaneously. Neutron emission is possible through photoneutron emission or photodisintegration, but this only occurs when gamma photons with enough energy are incident upon the nucleus. The process of proton emission is rare and can only occur in highly unstable and artificially produced nuclides.
  • #1
spideyinspace
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unstable nucleus with excess neutrons turns to protons, emitting electrons and electron antineutrinos,in this case protons stay in nucleus...is there any case where protons are also emitted ...
 
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  • #3
malawi_glenn said:
Yes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton_emission

i mean in the beta minus decay neutrons turn to protons and that protons stay in the nuclues..but is there any case where that protons,electrons and electron antineutrinos are emitted...i think free neutrons decay in this way...
 
  • #4
Neutrons in nucleus don't decay, so no, that reaction of yours is not possible. At least no one has detected it yet.

But if you had neutron emission and that free neutron almost imedatly decays, then you have something similar.
 
  • #5
Proton emission is possible for highly unstable and artificially produced nuclides (as the Wikipedia article indicates), otherwise proton-rich nuclei decay by positron emission or electron capture.

In beta decay, the resulting proton stays within the nucleus, and with positron emission or electron capture, the resulting neutron stays within the nucleus since the proton or neutron does not overcome the binding energy threshold.

One can have neutron emission if gamma photons with energy exceeding a certain threshold value (binding energy of a neutron for the given nucleus) is incident upon the nucleus. That is photoneutron emission, or in the case of a deuteron, photodisintegration.

http://www.lnf.infn.it/esperimenti/aiace/exp/deuteron.htm

http://hallaweb.jlab.org/collab/meeting/2007-winter/Glister_HallACollab_2007.pdf
 
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  • #6
Thank you for all replies...
 
  • #7
I should have been little clearer:

It is a difference between the proton that is left when a "neutron decays inside the nucleus" and the process leading to a proton beeing emitted. You where looking for the process when the proton is beeing emitted togheter with the electron and (anti)neutrino, in the ordinary beta-minus decay. I don't think that is possible.
 

What is beta minus decay?

Beta minus decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron in an unstable nucleus is converted into a proton, releasing an electron and an antineutrino in the process.

What is the significance of beta minus decay in nuclear physics?

Beta minus decay plays a crucial role in the stability of atomic nuclei. It is responsible for the conversion of neutrons to protons, which can change the overall composition and stability of a nucleus. Additionally, beta minus decay is used in many nuclear processes, such as energy production and medical imaging.

How does beta minus decay occur?

Beta minus decay occurs when an unstable nucleus has too many neutrons compared to protons. In order to reach a more stable state, one of the neutrons is converted into a proton, releasing an electron and an antineutrino. This conversion changes the atomic number of the nucleus, but the mass number remains the same.

What factors affect the rate of beta minus decay?

The rate of beta minus decay is affected by the number of neutrons and protons in the nucleus, as well as the strength of the nuclear force holding the nucleus together. Other factors may include the energy levels of the particles involved and the presence of other particles such as electrons or neutrinos.

Can beta minus decay be controlled or manipulated?

No, beta minus decay is a spontaneous process and cannot be controlled or manipulated. The rate of decay is determined by the characteristics of the nucleus and cannot be altered by external factors.

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