Do bound, unstable particles decay more slowly?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of extending the lifetime of unstable particles by binding them to other particles in exotic atoms or molecules. This is due to the disruption of symmetry caused by decay of the bound particles. However, the presence of additional particles nearby can also lead to shorter lifetimes due to opening up more decay channels. The example of negative muons bound to nuclei and their reaction with protons is given, as well as the concept of unstable particles becoming stable when bound to other particles. The conversation also mentions an isotope that can beta decay if its innermost shell is empty, even though it is stable with electrons.
  • #1
nickyrtr
93
2
Take some unstable particle species, and put two of them into an exotic atom or exotic molecule, such that the two bound particles fully occupy a 1s orbital. For example, two negative muons orbiting an alpha particle, or two mesons orbiting a massive baryon. Decay of either orbiting particle disrupts the nice symmetry of the filled 1s state, so does this bound state extend the lifetime of these unstable particles? If so, would it be a tiny effect or a significant effect?
 
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  • #2
In general, additional particles nearby open additional decay channels and make decays more likely (and therefore shorten the lifetime).
In particular, negative muons get bound to nuclei and can react with a proton to form a neutron and a neutrino, similar to inverse beta decay. The muon reaction is much faster as the orbital is very close to and inside the nucleus and as the reaction has ~100 MeV available.

Neutrons in stable nuclei are an example where unstable particles become stable.

There is at least one isotope that is stable with electrons, but can beta decay if the innermost shell is empty. The energy is not sufficient to release a free electron, but a bound electron is possible.
 

1. What are bound, unstable particles?

Bound, unstable particles are subatomic particles that are held together by nuclear forces, but are not stable and eventually decay into smaller particles.

2. How do bound, unstable particles decay?

Bound, unstable particles decay through a process called radioactive decay, in which they emit radiation and transform into more stable particles.

3. Do bound, unstable particles always decay?

Yes, bound, unstable particles will eventually decay, but the rate at which they decay varies depending on the specific particle and its properties.

4. Why do bound, unstable particles decay more slowly?

Bound, unstable particles decay more slowly because they are held together by nuclear forces, which require a significant amount of energy to break apart and decay into smaller particles.

5. How can the decay rate of bound, unstable particles be measured?

The decay rate of bound, unstable particles can be measured through experiments using particle accelerators and detectors, which can track the decay of particles over time and determine their half-life.

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