benmww said:i understand that free neutrons are unstable and decay within about 10 mins, presumably because of the weak nuclear force
would anti neutrons theorectically behave in the same way, or would anitmatter-matter chirality impact at all?
A free neutron is a subatomic particle with no electric charge, found in the nucleus of an atom. It is composed of three quarks: two "down" quarks and one "up" quark.
Free neutrons are unstable and decay into other particles within about 10 minutes. This process is known as beta decay.
The decay of free neutrons is caused by the weak nuclear force, one of the four fundamental forces in nature. It involves the conversion of a neutron into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino.
In certain circumstances, free neutrons can become stable. This is known as neutron capture, where a neutron is absorbed by the nucleus of an atom, forming a new, heavier element.
The decay of free neutrons is used in various fields of scientific research, such as nuclear physics, particle physics, and cosmology. It can also be used in practical applications, such as in neutron imaging and neutron therapy for cancer treatment.