How can a proton form a neutron?

In summary, positron emission can occur in proton-rich nuclei and an isolated proton would not decay by positron emission. However, in the presence of other particles, a proton can borrow energy and decay into a positron and neutron, while still conserving baryon number and charge. This is why a proton can break up into a positron and neutron, even though a neutron has a greater mass than a proton.
  • #1
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This is related to a homework problem but I want to understand it as well. How can a proton break up into a positron and neutron when a neutron clearly has a greater mass than a proton?
 
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  • #2
Positron emission occurs in proton-rich nuclei, although in many, electron capture is also possible.

An isolated proton would not decay by positron emission, but an isolated neutron will spontaneously decay.
 
  • #3
Consider 22Na which undergoes β+ decay to 22Ne.

22Na has 11 protons and 11 neutrons, whereas 22Ne has 10 protons and 12 neutrons. Nevertheless, the mass of a 22Na nucleus is greater than the sum of the masses of a 22Ne nucleus and an electron, because of the different binding energies of 22Na and 22Ne.
 
  • #4
An isolated proton can not decay since is the lightest particle with baryon number equals to one.
A proton in the presence of other stuff like other protons or neutrons so for instance a proton that is making up the nuclei of some atom may ''borrow" energy from this environment and then it can decay (always conserving baryon number and charge and so on) so one (very) possible outcome will be positron and neutron
 

1. How can a proton turn into a neutron?

A proton can turn into a neutron through a process called beta decay. This occurs when a proton emits a positron (a positively charged particle) and a neutrino, which results in the proton losing a positive charge and becoming a neutron.

2. Can a proton form a neutron on its own?

No, a proton cannot form a neutron on its own. The process of beta decay requires an external force, such as a collision with another particle, to trigger the transformation of a proton into a neutron.

3. What is the purpose of a proton turning into a neutron?

The purpose of a proton turning into a neutron is to maintain stability within an atom. Protons, being positively charged, repel each other, but the presence of neutrons, which have no charge, helps to balance out the repulsive forces and keep the nucleus of an atom stable.

4. Can a neutron turn back into a proton?

Yes, a neutron can turn back into a proton through a process called beta decay as well. This occurs when a neutron emits an electron and an antineutrino, resulting in the neutron gaining a positive charge and becoming a proton.

5. What is the role of nuclear forces in the transformation of a proton into a neutron?

Nuclear forces, also known as strong forces, play a crucial role in the transformation of a proton into a neutron. These forces are responsible for holding the nucleus of an atom together, and during beta decay, they are responsible for converting one type of particle (proton) into another (neutron).

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