I thought protons couldn't decay

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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

:confused:

Doesn't seem to make sense to me
 
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Right as far as I know:
Wikipedia says:
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.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton_decay for more...
 
Ifailphysics said:
p -> n + e + v

Free protons cannot decay this way because it requires an input of energy from outside.

Protons bound in [(added) some kinds of] nuclei can decay this way, because the total binding energy of the other protons and neutrons changes in such a way as to provide the necessary energy for the decay.
 
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positron emission

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

Hi Ifailphysics! :smile:

Isn't that how positrons are produced in the lab …

you take an isotope that's top-heavy in protons (most are top-heavy in neutrons instead), and just wait :wink: …

p -> n + e+ + v?
 

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