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Ifailphysics
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I thought protons couldn't decay and I am pretty sure I've read it a few times as well but then with B+ Decay: p -> n + e + v
Doesn't seem to make sense to me
Doesn't seem to make sense to me
In particle physics, proton decay is a hypothetical form of radioactive decay in which the proton decays into lighter subatomic particles, usually a neutral pion and a positron. Proton decay has not been observed. There is currently no evidence that proton decay occurs.
Ifailphysics said:p -> n + e + v
Ifailphysics said:I thought protons couldn't decay and I am pretty sure I've read it a few times as well but then with B+ Decay: p -> n + e + v
Yes, according to the Standard Model of particle physics, protons are believed to be able to decay. However, the decay rate is extremely slow and has not been observed in experiments.
Proton decay is predicted to occur through a process called "grand unification theory". This theory suggests that protons can decay into lighter particles such as leptons and mesons.
The predicted half-life of a proton is estimated to be around 10^35 years, which is an incredibly long time. This is why proton decay has not been observed yet.
If protons were to decay, it would result in the transformation of one element into another. For example, a hydrogen atom with one proton could potentially decay into a helium atom with two protons.
Proton decay would have significant implications for our understanding of the universe and the laws of physics. It could potentially help explain the dominance of matter over antimatter and provide insight into the unification of all fundamental forces.