I thought protons couldn't decay

[Ifailphysics]

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

 

[Naty1]

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...

 

[jtbell]

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.

 

[tiny-tim]

positron emission

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!

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 …

p -> n + e⁺ + v?